In a move set to reshape Kenya's healthcare landscape, President William Ruto has unveiled a new policy that will see the government directly subsidize Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions for 1.5 million Kenyans who are unable to afford them. This initiative, which begins next week, is a clear signal of the government's commitment to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Speaking at State House Nairobi during a meeting with leaders from Turkana County, the President emphasized that the new system is built on an equitable 2.75% contribution model, a significant departure from the old NHIF scheme.
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The President's vision for SHA goes beyond just a payment system; it’s a fundamental re-engineering of the healthcare sector. Unlike the previous NHIF, which was primarily accessible to a select few with stable incomes, SHA is designed to be all-encompassing. "Healthcare is not the preserve of a few; it is for all Kenyans," he stated, highlighting the program's inclusive nature. The new model ensures that contributions are channelled directly to specific hospitals, bypassing the previous county-level distribution. This is a crucial step aimed at empowering medical facilities to provide high-quality services and eliminate the common issue of patients being charged for services that should be free, particularly for outpatient care. A staggering Ksh. 21 billion has been allocated to cover these services, underscoring the government's financial commitment to the program.
The President's address also touched upon his broader economic agenda, specifically targeting underserved regions. Using Turkana County as a prime example, he outlined a comprehensive plan for affirmative action and development. Infrastructure, a critical component of economic growth, is set to receive a massive boost. The roads budget for the county has been increased to Ksh. 5.3 billion, a significant jump from the previous Ksh. 290 million. Major road projects, including the overhaul of the Maili Tisa-Kitale-Morpus-Kainuk-Lokichar road, are already in the works, aiming to connect the county to larger markets and opportunities.
