More than 15,000 vulnerable households across the country have now been enrolled into the Social Health Authority (SHA) through National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) programmes, as the government steps up efforts to make healthcare more accessible for low-income families.
The latest milestone was announced on Thursday during the launch of the Belgut NG-CDF SHA Support Programme in Kericho County, where 700 vulnerable residents were enrolled into the national health insurance scheme.
The programme, unveiled by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, is part of a wider government strategy to use partnerships with Members of Parliament, county governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to increase access to affordable healthcare under Taifa Care.
Speaking during the event, Muthoni said the Belgut initiative demonstrates how collaboration between different institutions can help extend health insurance coverage to Kenyans who would otherwise struggle to afford it.
She revealed that, so far, 15,238 vulnerable households have been enrolled into SHA through 62 NG-CDF-supported initiatives spread across 17 counties and 33 constituencies. According to the Ministry of Health, the programmes have attracted an investment of more than KSh96 million in health insurance premiums.
The Principal Secretary encouraged more MPs to replicate similar initiatives in their constituencies to ensure more vulnerable families are protected from the financial burden of seeking medical care.
She said expanding SHA coverage remains central to the government’s Universal Health Coverage agenda, adding that partnerships at both the national and local levels are helping bridge gaps in access to healthcare.
The launch in Belgut was accompanied by a free medical camp organised by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Browns East Africa Plantations. Residents received a range of medical services closer to home, with the outreach targeting both preventive and curative healthcare.
Health officials said such outreach programmes not only improve access to treatment but also encourage more Kenyans to register with SHA and seek medical attention before illnesses become severe.
The event brought together national and county leaders, including Kericho Governor Dr Eric Mutai, Belgut MP Nelson Koech and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, who joined residents during the launch of the initiative.
The Ministry of Health says it will continue working with partners to expand SHA enrolment across the country, with a focus on ensuring that vulnerable households are not left behind as the government rolls out Taifa Care.