The Government of Kenya has reiterated its commitment to advancing universal health coverage (UHC) through strategic grassroots engagement, with the Social Health Authority (SHA) playing a pivotal role in delivering equitable healthcare services across the country.
This pledge was reinforced during a high-level visit to Murang’a County led by the Deputy President, His Excellency Kithure Kindiki, alongside Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni. The visit was part of a broader Women Empowerment initiative aimed at fostering inclusive development across communities.
During the event, which brought together community leaders, women’s groups, youth representatives, and healthcare stakeholders, leaders highlighted pressing issues affecting local development. Chief among these were the need for improved access to clean and safe water, the intensification of the fight against drug and substance abuse, and the promotion of resilience through inclusive and gender-responsive programs.
Speaking to a large gathering of residents and local leaders, Deputy President Kindiki urged the community to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from the enhanced health service packages offered under the newly established Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“The government is determined to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of their background, can access quality healthcare,” said Kindiki. “The SHA is a game-changer in our journey toward universal health coverage. We call upon all citizens, especially here in Murang’a, to register and secure their health.”
Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the SHA is designed to bridge the healthcare gap and empower communities through accessible and affordable health services.
The Murang’a visit underscores the government’s strategy of integrating health into broader socio-economic development efforts, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth. It also marks another step in the implementation of President William Ruto’s UHC agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
With continued investment in health infrastructure, policy reforms, and stakeholder collaboration, Kenya is positioning itself to deliver on its promise of health for all.
