Nairobi, September 2- President William Ruto has announced that the government will cover Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions for 1.5 million Kenyans who are unable to afford the payments.
Speaking on Tuesday, the President said the payment process will kick off next week after a successful identification exercise of the beneficiaries.
Ruto emphasized that the move is part of the government’s universal health coverage plan, aimed at ensuring that every Kenyan has access to healthcare. He noted that those with the ability to pay are contributing 2.75 percent of their income, allowing the scheme to remain fair and sustainable. The funds collected are being used to support citizens who cannot make contributions.
He contrasted the new system with the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), which he described as unfair. “Mama Mboga would pay KSh500, nearly 10 percent of her earnings, while I was paying KSh1,700, which amounted to just 0.01 percent of my salary. That was inequitable,” he remarked.
Ruto made the comments on Friday during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Meru County at State House, Nairobi, which was also attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, MPs, and MCAs.
So far, SHA has enrolled 25.8 million Kenyans, a significant increase from the NHIF’s membership of seven million.
