By Alex Njeru
The Kenya Kwanza Administration has reiterated its dedication to ensuring quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare as a crucial pillar of economic transformation.
Speaking at the Karen residence, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki and Council of Governors’ Health Committee Chairperson, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, announced that 19.5 million Kenyans have been registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
This milestone marks significant progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with both the National and County Governments committed to ensuring every citizen has medical insurance.
To effectively implement UHC, DP Kindiki emphasized that the government is addressing emerging challenges in the rollout of Taifa Care and strengthening health institutions to enhance service delivery.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health and its partners to refine the Means Testing Tool, ensuring it accurately determines eligibility for government-supported healthcare services.
The review, incorporating feedback from citizens and stakeholders over the past five months, aims to make the system more objective and predictable.
The leaders spoke during the National and County Governments Health Summit, convened to evaluate the progress of UHC implementation.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa, Principal Secretaries, Governors led by Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi, and advisors from the President’s Council of Economic Advisors.
Governor Njuki underscored that UHC is the foundation of a healthy and productive population, calling for sustained collaboration between national and county governments.
He emphasized the need to refine the Social Health Insurance system to accommodate the diverse needs of all citizens while expanding healthcare benefits.
As the government moves forward with its healthcare agenda, stakeholders remain optimistic that ongoing policy and administrative interventions will address gaps in the system, ensuring that every Kenyan has access to quality medical services.
Mt Kenya Times