Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has called on Kenyans to be cautious of misinformation surrounding the newly launched national health insurance program being rolled out by the government.
Speaking in Kakamega County, Barasa condemned the spread of false information, particularly by some leaders, regarding the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) following the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“For politicians, let’s avoid spreading confusion with terms like SHI, SHA, SHO… You should be supporting this important initiative to ensure that our people—especially the vulnerable, needy, and poor—can access the same healthcare services as the wealthy,” she said.
The CS warned that misinformation could erode public trust in health programs and create confusion, potentially causing individuals who need medical care to miss out on valuable opportunities.
“People should visit hospitals to verify for themselves if SHA is functioning. Often, misleading information circulates on social media. We must provide the public with accurate information to ensure the success of this vital program and save lives,” Barasa emphasized.
She encouraged Kenyans to sign up for the new health plan and experience its benefits firsthand, rather than relying on rumours.
“People should enrol in SHA, visit the hospitals, see the services, and understand that when the money comes in, medicine will be provided, doctors will be available, and services will continue to improve,” she added.