- The Ministry of Health is calling on Kenyans to actively contribute to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to sustain medical services.
- Officials reveal that only 3.3 million out of 19.4 million registered members are making contributions, causing financial strain.
- A new advisory panel has been formed to address public concerns over system failures and unclear tariffs.
- Despite improvements, Kenyans remain frustrated with SHA’s rollout, limited coverage, and poor service delivery.
Speaking at a press briefing outside Afya House on Wednesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth highlighted the Social Health Authority (SHA) ‘s financial struggles. According to officials, only 3.3 million of the 19.4 million registered members are actively contributing, creating a funding gap that is disrupting service delivery.
“Healthcare is expensive, and we cannot rely solely on those in formal employment to carry the burden for the rest of the population,” said Dr. Amoth.
The Ministry is urging all registered members to complete the means testing process, determine their premiums, and commit to regular payments. County governments have also been tasked with increasing SHA registrations, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where numbers remain low.
Amid growing frustration over system failures and unclear tariffs, the Ministry of Health has established the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel, based at the University of Nairobi. According to CS Barasa, the panel will include experts in health economics, epidemiology, and actuarial science to ensure better coverage and fair benefits.
Currently, 8,813 out of 17,755 health facilities (56%) are enrolled in SHA. Since October 2024, over one million Kenyans have accessed primary healthcare services under the program. Additionally, the Ministry has reduced pre-authorization processing times from 10 hours to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Despite these efforts, Kenyans remain deeply frustrated with SHA’s rollout. Since its introduction on October 1, 2024, the scheme has faced backlash over system failures, out-of-pocket payments, and limited coverage.
Many citizens are confused about whether SHA should replace NHIF or work alongside Taifa Care. Healthcare workers, particularly clinical officers, have also raised concerns about the new registration and contracting processes, which they say have slowed service delivery.
There are also concerns that SHA is just another white elephant project benefiting the powerful while ordinary citizens struggle to access care. The system’s rollout has even faced legal challenges, with claims that procurement laws were flouted.
Confusion Over Different Schemes—Many Kenyans are unsure whether NHIF, SHA, and Taifa Care operate separately or together, leading to reluctance to enroll. Limited Coverage – Patients are still paying out-of-pocket for treatments that were supposed to be covered. Poor Service Delivery – Overcrowded hospitals, understaffed facilities, and long wait times continue to frustrate citizens. Unresolved Registration & Payment Issues – Some registered members are still being charged high medical fees, while healthcare providers face bureaucratic delays. Lack of Clear Communication – Many people don’t understand how SHA works or how to lodge complaints, creating more uncertainty.
Despite the government’s push for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), skepticism remains high. Many Kenyans are hesitant to register due to unresolved issues and unanswered questions.
