Nyeri County has taken the lead in the ongoing Social Health Authority (SHA) registration exercise. As of the latest data, 111,826 residents in Nyeri have registered for SHA, amounting to 20.5% of the county’s population of 759,164. This achievement puts Nyeri at the forefront of SHA registration efforts across the country, though the county is still working towards its ultimate target.
The SHA program, which was rolled out earlier this year, aims to enroll all Kenyans into a comprehensive health insurance framework under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), replacing the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to making healthcare accessible to all by eliminating the need for out-of-pocket expenses when accessing medical services. Nyeri’s early success demonstrates effective collaboration between county officials, local leaders, and health professionals, who have actively promoted awareness and encouraged sign-ups across the county.
Leading Counties in SHA Registration
Following Nyeri in SHA registration are Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Lamu, and Embu counties. According to Taifa Care data, Kirinyaga is close behind with 123,600 residents registered, representing 20.3% of its population of 610,411. Kiambu County, despite having a larger target population, has made notable strides with 470,379 registrations, achieving a coverage rate of 19.5% out of a target of 2,417,735. Meanwhile, Lamu and Embu have registered 18.3% of their respective target populations, with Lamu reaching 26,275 people out of 143,920 and Embu enrolling 111,133 people out of 608,599.
These counties’ progress reflects the effectiveness of targeted outreach efforts and the importance of local engagement in meeting SHA registration goals. Through collaboration with the national government and awareness campaigns, the leaders in SHA registration are setting the pace for Kenya’s journey toward universal health coverage.
Challenges in Low Registration Counties
In contrast, several counties, particularly in Northern Kenya, are struggling with low SHA registration numbers. Garissa, Turkana, Mandera, Wajir, and West Pokot have recorded the lowest sign-up rates, with fewer than 32,000 registrants in each county. Garissa County, with a population target of 905,000, has registered only 20,674 people (2.3%), while Turkana has 27,840 registrations out of a target of 926,976, yielding a 3% coverage. These figures highlight the need for increased efforts and resources to raise awareness and facilitate registration in areas with logistical challenges or limited healthcare infrastructure.
SHA’s Commitment to Accessible and Affordable Healthcare
The SHA program is a key component of Kenya’s health policy reform, designed to provide Kenyans with better healthcare access at no direct cost to them. Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has emphasized the government’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery across all levels of the health system, from community-based care to specialized hospital services. The SHA’s flexible payment options allow Kenyans in both formal and informal sectors to make contributions conveniently via mobile payments or local collection points, making healthcare insurance more accessible to individuals in remote areas or those with variable incomes.
“The SHA’s flexible payment options ensure that more Kenyans can access essential health services,” PS Muthoni stated in a recent interview on Coro FM. She explained that the SHA aims to reach households across all 47 counties, ensuring healthcare equity nationwide and reducing financial barriers to quality medical care.
The SHA’s Nationwide Impact
Since its inception, the SHA initiative has made significant progress, with approximately 14 million Kenyans now registered. This nationwide enrollment effort aims to transform Kenya’s health landscape by shifting the financial burden of medical care from individuals to the government-funded insurance framework. With the SHA taking on the responsibility of covering medical expenses, families can seek medical treatment without the fear of high costs, thus protecting households from potential poverty caused by medical expenses.
County and national governments have been integral in driving SHA registration, setting up registration points across the country to make the process as accessible as possible. Awareness campaigns, community meetings, and partnerships with local leaders have also been instrumental in encouraging citizens to sign up.
Looking Ahead
As SHA registration continues, there is optimism that more counties will follow Nyeri’s lead in achieving substantial registration numbers. The success of the SHA program will largely depend on continued collaboration between government bodies, local leaders, and community organizations to ensure all Kenyans, especially those in hard-to-reach areas, have access to health coverage. By prioritizing health access and aligning with SHA’s vision, Kenya is making strides toward a future where all citizens can receive healthcare without financial hardship.
With the SHA rollout underway, the journey toward universal health coverage is well within reach, promising a healthier and more resilient Kenya.
