Kenya is set to make a major advancement in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the official launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA) on October 1st, 2024.
The announcement was made by Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah M. Barasa during a media breakfast meeting held at Sarova Panafric in Nairobi on September 18, 2024.
The meeting was attended by key health leaders, including Chair of the Health Committee of COG Governor Muthomi Njuki, Principal Secretaries Mr. Harry Kimtai (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, SHA Chairperson Mr. Abdi Mohammed, and SHA CEO Mr. Elijah Wachira among others.
The SHA, which will replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), aims to provide affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare services to all Kenyans.
The comprehensive benefit package for the SHA has been finalised, though current government funding covers only 4% of the total estimated costs.
Dr. Barasa noted that the government has allocated Ksh. 6.1 billion for the SHA, which is just a fraction of the Ksh. 168 billion needed for full implementation. She assured that the SHA will continue to improve as the system evolves and additional funding is secured.
โWe are rolling out SHA on 1st October 2024. Itโs a stepwise approach, with the benefit package based on available resources. We will continue to improve the system as we move forward. This is a paradigm shift for Kenya and beyond.โCS Health Dr. Deborah M. Barasa.
In addition to launching the SHA, the government is partnering with Safaricom to digitalise healthcare services, which will enhance efficiency and data management.
Dr. Barasa acknowledged the funding challenges but reaffirmed the governmentโs commitment to reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving healthcare services.
