𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐀𝐘 𝐒𝐇𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝟑𝟐 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍

MOMBASA —The National Assembly Health Committee has called for enhanced efforts to convert the growing number of Kenyans registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) into active contributors.

The Committee, chaired by  Dr. James Nyikal (Seme), welcomed the significant progress made in registering Kenyans under SHA, while urging the Authority to build on the achievement by encouraging more members to make regular contributions.

The issue emerged during a joint retreat between the Committee, SHA and the Digital Health Agency (DHA) to review the implementation of Universal Health Coverage and discuss emerging challenges in the health sector.

However about 5 million registered members had paid their premiums.

The Committee noted that the high registration rate provides a strong foundation for expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare across the country.

Dr. Nyikal said the focus should now shift towards ensuring that more registered members remain active contributors and are able to benefit fully from the health cover when they need it.

“Registration is not enough. We should put more energy into ensuring that more people are paying for health insurance,” said Dr. Nyikal.

Dr. Robert Pukose (Endebess), Prof. Guyo Jaldesa (Moyale), Joshua Oroni (Kisumu Central) and Julius Sunkuli (Kilgoris) supported efforts to increase awareness and encourage regular contributions among registered members.

Dr. Pukose called for stronger partnerships between SHA, elected leaders and county governments to educate Kenyans on the importance of maintaining active membership.

“This matter should concern all of us. SHA should consider partnering with leaders to create awareness on the importance of paying for SHA after enrolment. You should also work closely with county governments,” he said.

The Committee was informed that SHA is already taking measures to make contributions more responsive to the circumstances of Kenyan households.

Dr. Mwangangi said the Authority was developing contribution arrangements that take into account irregular and seasonal household incomes.

SHA is also following up with registered members who are no longer actively covered by the scheme as part of efforts to strengthen active membership.

The Authority identified Turkana, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, Mandera, Tana River, Isiolo, Narok, West Pokot and Trans Nzoia among counties with lower registration levels.

Source: Parliament of Kenya