National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has called on county governments to bolster efforts in registering Kenyans as members of the Social Health Authority (SHA), a critical step in ensuring access to comprehensive health services for all.
Speaking during separate burials in Budalangi, Busia County, and Trans Nzoia County, Wetang’ula highlighted disparities in SHA registration across the country. He praised counties in the Central region for their exemplary performance and urged others to emulate their success.
“In Nyeri, when people go to hospital, their treatment costs are covered by the government. Nyeri is leading in SHA registration, followed by Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Embu,” he said.
He challenged Trans Nzoia County leaders to actively mobilize their communities, leveraging resources such as county vehicles and public gatherings to ensure more residents are registered. “Fuel those county vehicles, let officers move from one area to another and register people whether in religious settings, social places, or burials. Let everyone be registered,” he emphasized.
Wetang’ula also called on elected leaders to utilize public resources to educate constituents on the benefits of the SHA scheme. He assured the public that any issues with the new program would be resolved in collaboration with lawmakers.
Trans Nzoia Leadership Critiqued
Kiminini MP Hon. Kakai Bissau criticized the Trans Nzoia County government for inadequate investment in healthcare infrastructure and services. “There is no worse place for healthcare than Trans Nzoia. How will you have a referral hospital if you don’t have a district hospital? Why was the other hospital closed? The drainage is bad, construction was poor, and there’s theft of medicines,” he lamented.
His sentiments underscored the need for county governments to prioritize healthcare, as the SHA program depends on functional health facilities to deliver its promise of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Addressing Concerns and Challenges
Acknowledging initial challenges with the SHA, Wetang’ula stated that every new initiative faces hurdles, but assured Kenyans of the government’s commitment to resolving them.
Responding to concerns about the financial burden on already overtaxed citizens, the Speaker revealed his own experience with increased deductions. “Before the Health Laws were reviewed, I paid Ksh 1,500 per month for NHIF. Under SHA, I pay Ksh 58,000 monthly. Even MPs are deducted over Ksh 37,000, but this deduction helps the common mwananchi,” he explained.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo echoed Wetang’ula’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of enrollment to benefit from the program. “One can only benefit from a service if they have subscribed to it,” she noted.
Promoting Unity and Collaboration
Wetangula commended President William Ruto’s efforts to foster national unity by engaging leaders across political divides. He praised the inclusive approach that brought together former rivals such as Raila Odinga and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“We have all come together because President Ruto understands that a divided nation cannot prosper. We will continue engaging all leaders because there comes a time when national interest supersedes personal ambition,” he stated.
Supporting Transformational Leadership
The Speaker urged public officials to support the President’s agenda, highlighting the importance of collective effort in implementing government programs. He also responded to Saboti MP Caleb Amisi’s concerns about the President being overburdened with defending policies, calling for greater involvement from other leaders.
In closing, Wetang’ula rallied support for Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship, describing it as a strategic move to bolster Kenya’s regional influence and unity.
By addressing health, unity, and governance, Wetangula’s remarks underscored the interconnectedness of these pillars in driving Kenya’s progress toward an equitable and prosperous future.
