By PAUL MWANGI
The National Council of Churches Kenya (NCCK) officials in Nyeri County have urged the national government to urgently address the healthcare crisis.
This call came in a joint press statement following the conclusion of their elections, during which new representatives for the council in Nyeri County were elected to serve for a three-year term.
Led by the newly elected Chairman, Rev. Patrick Kimathi, they highlighted concerns over the slow transition from the National Health Insurance Fund to the Social Health Insurance Fund, which has left many patients without proper treatment as health facilities hesitate to accept NHIF coverage.
The NCCK urged the government to expedite the insurance transition process.
Additionally, the council reviewed the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report presented to and passed by Parliament where they emphasized the need for increased awareness among Kenyans regarding the proposals and implications outlined in the report.
The council also expressed concern over the high cost of living and the government’s slow progress in implementing promised policies and measures to alleviate it, particularly the failure to reduce taxation as pledged during elections.
The council criticized Members of Parliament in the region who admitted to passing the Finance Act 2023 without reading it, asserting that such actions represent a failure in their duty to the electorate.
They encouraged voters to consider this in future elections.
Meanwhile, they called upon both the national and county governments to lower taxation levels to help citizens recover from the impact of Covid-19 and persistent droughts.
In addressing the issue of illicit brews, the council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the fight against substance abuse, pledging to continue using their pulpits to promote sobriety within communities.
Mt Kenya Times