Gov’t to pay SHA contributions for 1.5 million Kenyans who can’t afford it - Ruto

The government will pay Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions for 1.5 million Kenyans who do not have the ability to pay beginning next week, President William Ruto has announced.

The President said also said he would soon meet Governors and MPs so that they, too, can pay for close to another one million Kenyans.

He explained that SHA contributions are equitable at 2.75 per cent of income, pointing out that this has enabled the government to get enough funds to contribute for those who have no ability to pay.

"Unlike NHIF, which covered those who could afford and those who had jobs, SHA is for all Kenyans. Healthcare is not the preserve of a few; it is for all Kenyans," he said.

Speaking during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Turkana County at State House Nairobi on Tuesday, the President challenged them to accelerate SHA registration to guarantee affordable and quality healthcare for every household.

President Ruto said SHA payments are sent to specific hospitals, not counties as before, in an effort to ensure the medical facilities are able to provide quality healthcare.

He explained that SHA is a comprehensive health insurance programme providing many benefits and easing the burden of medical bills among citizens who would otherwise not be able to pay for healthcare.

Once again, President Ruto cautioned dispensaries, health centres and sub-county hospitals against charging patients for outpatient services, saying the government has set aside Ksh.21 billion for these and it will pay through SHA.

On the government’s development programme in Turkana County, the President explained that the region requires affirmative action.

On roads, the budget for Turkana has increased from Ksh.290 million in the last financial year to Ksh.5.3 billion this financial year.

"We are transforming Turkana’s infrastructure, starting with the overhaul of the Maili Tisa-Kitale-Morpus-Kainuk-Lokichar road, a link road that will connect the county to greater opportunities and markets," he explained.

Other roads set to be built include the Kakuma-Tondonyang-Lokitaung-Kalokol and Lodibing-Nadapal roads.

Lake Turkana, the President said, is a great resource with many opportunities that are being unlocked for the welfare of the residents and Kenya.

The government, he pointed out, has set aside Ksh.1.6 billion to support fishing around the lake and supporting and improving fisherfolk capacity by providing cold rooms and other necessary infrastructure.

"We are therefore building modern fish markets at Kalokol and Lowoarangak at a cost of Ksh.700 million as an investment in fish business and boost food security," the President explained.

The President also pointed out that the government is rolling out a Ksh.2.3 billion rural electrification project, building a Ksh.900 million modern stadium in Lodwar, and expanding the Turkwel Irrigation Scheme with a Ksh.2.5 billion investment that will put between 50,000 and 100,000 acres of land under production in Turkana and West Pokot counties.

Additionally, the President announced that the military would upgrade and equip Lodwar County Referral Hospita, and build a modern stadium.

Also, Ksh.2.3 billion has been allocated for the construction of hostels at the local Kenya Medical Training College campuses, technical colleges and university to ensure students in the region have safe and dignified housing.

"This is how we are advancing equal development across our country. Through bold and deliberate actions, we are straightening Kenya’s path to shared prosperity," he said.

Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, MPs and MCAs were present.