The Nairobi City County Government has unveiled plans to expand the enrolment of cooperative and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCO) members into the Social Health Insurance (SHA) programme. This forward-thinking strategy is poised to revolutionize health coverage, particularly for the city’s informal sector, which remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy.
The plan was highlighted during a recent capacity-building and sensitization workshop held in Machakos. Speaking at the event, Dr. Anastasia Nyalita, Nairobi County Executive for Business and Hustler Opportunities, emphasized the pivotal role of organized groups in achieving universal health coverage.
“Nairobi County accounts for over 60% of all cooperatives and SACCOs in Kenya. This organized sector is crucial to increasing participation in our health schemes,” Dr. Nyalita noted.
The initiative aims to designate cooperative and SACCO members as remitting entities for annual and monthly insurance premiums to the SHA. By leveraging the organized structures of cooperatives, the programme seeks to provide comprehensive health coverage to over 500,000 households, offering critical medical services to vulnerable populations.
Addressing Informal Sector Challenges
Chief Officer for Cooperatives, George Mutiso, elaborated on the target sectors for the programme. These include groups such as Matatu operators (public transport), Boda Boda riders (motorcycle taxis), Mama Bonga (informal food vendors), Jua Kali artisans, Mitumba traders (second-hand clothing vendors), and other worker cooperatives.
“The informal sector has historically faced barriers to accessing structured health insurance schemes due to irregular income patterns and a lack of awareness. This comprehensive approach bridges the gap and ensures these workers are not left behind,” said Mutiso.
This move is seen as a solution to a long-standing issue: the difficulty of integrating informal sector workers into health insurance programmes. By collaborating with cooperatives and SACCOs, the County aims to provide an organized framework that simplifies premium collection and ensures consistent coverage for members.
A Blueprint for Transformation
The SHA programme represents a significant step towards addressing healthcare disparities in Nairobi and serves as a model for other counties to emulate. By prioritizing inclusivity and targeting underserved groups, the initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader goal of achieving universal health coverage under the Vision 2030 development blueprint.
The informal sector contributes significantly to Nairobi’s economy, yet its workforce remains one of the most vulnerable in terms of access to healthcare. By including these workers in structured health insurance schemes, the County seeks to safeguard their health and productivity.
Dr. Nyalita underscored the broader implications of the programme, stating, “This initiative is not just about providing health insurance. It’s about creating a healthier, more secure future for Nairobi residents. By addressing health challenges in the informal sector, we are building a foundation for economic resilience and social equity.”
Looking Ahead
The Nairobi City County Government’s commitment to this initiative reflects a proactive approach to addressing health inequities. The designation of cooperatives and SACCOs as key stakeholders in the SHA programme is expected to streamline enrolment and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
The success of this programme could set a benchmark for other counties in Kenya, encouraging similar initiatives to enhance healthcare accessibility nationwide. As Nairobi leads the way, it also fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion that could inspire transformative changes across various sectors.
This initiative is not just about improving healthcare for the informal sector but also about redefining how health insurance is implemented in urban settings. It’s a bold step towards ensuring that every resident, regardless of their income or occupation, has access to the healthcare services they deserve.
As the city embarks on this transformative journey, the Nairobi County Government is not only addressing immediate healthcare needs but also laying the groundwork for a healthier, more equitable future for all its residents.
