NAIROBI, Kenya — The government will pay Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions for 1.5 million vulnerable Kenyans starting next week, President William Ruto has announced.
The President also stated that he would soon meet with Governors and Members of Parliament (MPs) to have them contribute for close to another one million Kenyans.
Speaking at State House Nairobi on Tuesday during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Turkana County, the President explained that SHA contributions are equitable at 2.75% of income. He pointed out that this structure has enabled the government to get enough funds to contribute on behalf of those who cannot afford to pay.
“Unlike NHIF, which covered those who could afford and those who had jobs, SHA is for all Kenyans. Healthcare is not the preserve of a few; it is for all Kenyans,” he said.
President Ruto challenged the Turkana leaders to accelerate SHA registration to guarantee affordable and quality healthcare for every household. He also explained that SHA payments are now sent directly to specific hospitals, rather than counties, to ensure that medical facilities are able to provide quality care.
He further explained that SHA is a comprehensive health insurance program that provides many benefits and eases the burden of medical bills among citizens who would otherwise not be able to pay for healthcare.
President Ruto once again cautioned dispensaries, health centers, and sub-county hospitals against charging patients for outpatient services, stating that the government has set aside Ksh.21 billion for these services and will pay for them through the SHA.
Transformational development in Turkana county
Shifting focus to development in Turkana, the President explained that the region requires affirmative action. He announced a significant increase in the roads budget for the county, from Ksh.290 million in the last financial year to Ksh.5.3 billion this year.
“We are transforming Turkana’s infrastructure, starting with the overhaul of the Maili Tisa-Kitale-Morpus-Kainuk-Lokichar road, a link road that will connect the county to greater opportunities and markets,” he explained. Other roads set for construction include the Kakuma-Tondonyang-Lokitaung-Kalokol and Lodibing-Nadapal roads.
The President also highlighted that Lake Turkana is a great resource with many opportunities that are being unlocked for the welfare of residents.
The government, he pointed out, has allocated Ksh.1.6 billion to support fishing around the lake and improve fisherfolk capacity by providing cold rooms and other necessary infrastructure.
“We are therefore building modern fish markets at Kalokol and Lowoarangak at a cost of Ksh.700 million as an investment in fish business and boost food security,” the President explained.
Additionally, the President announced that the government is rolling out a Ksh.2.3 billion rural electrification project, building a Ksh 900 million modern stadium in Lodwar, and expanding the Turkwel Irrigation Scheme with a Ksh 2.5 billion investment.
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This irrigation project is set to put between 50,000 and 100,000 acres of land under production in Turkana and West Pokot counties.
The President also announced that the military would upgrade and equip Lodwar County Referral Hospital, and build a modern stadium.
Furthermore, Ksh 2.3 billion has been allocated for the construction of hostels at local Kenya Medical Training College campuses, technical colleges, and universities to ensure students in the region have safe and dignified housing.
“This is how we are advancing equal development across our country. Through bold and deliberate actions, we are straightening Kenya’s path to shared prosperity,” he said.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, MPs, and MCAs were present at the meeting.
