The Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kenya is set to usher in significant changes in the healthcare sector with its new mandate to improve health facilities and service delivery across the country. Responding to widespread concerns about the deteriorating state of public hospitals, SHA Chairman Dr. Timothy Olweny emphasized the authority’s commitment to ringfencing funds specifically for health facility upgrades in every county.
Dr. Olweny assured the public that funds channeled through SHA would be dedicated solely to enhancing healthcare services, regardless of whether the facilities are government-run, faith-based, or private. He addressed fears about the premium payment process, noting that it relies on self-declaration rather than restrictive criteria tied only to government facilities.
The SHA initiative comes in the wake of the enactment of Universal Health Coverage bills, including the Primary Health Care Bill, aimed at bolstering healthcare delivery nationwide. Key bills such as the Facility Improvement Financing Bill and the Digital Health Bill are integral to streamlining revenue collection and managing health information effectively through a Comprehensive Integrated Management Information System.
Under the new scheme, employees will contribute 2.75% of their income, with a minimum premium set at Ksh300. The government aims to expand coverage to more Kenyans, offering comprehensive benefits ranging from outpatient and inpatient services to specialized medical care, dental health, and emergency services. The initiative also includes provisions for mental wellness, rehabilitation, maternal and child health services, among others, reflecting a broad commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and quality across Kenya.
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