Health CS Deborah Barasa addressing journalists in Nanyuki town on February 4, 2025The government is working tirelessly to ensure the new health system is working efficiently, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Barasa has said.
Barasa, who spoke in Nanyuki town while launching a tobacco and substance abuse campaign on Tuesday, has said the system has been working despite facing some challenges.
So far, the CS confirmed that more than 500,000 Kenyans have so far benefited from Taifa Care and that the ministry has disbursed funds to health facilities that have provided services.
“We are working endlessly to ensure the Social Health Authority (SHA), the Digital Health Authority, and Taifa Care are implemented countrywide and that Kenyans see their benefits”.
One of the main challenges being experienced, Barasa said, is system interruption that is being addressed to ensure it works efficiently.
The government has, however, acquired a new server that is in the process of being streamlined by the technical team.
“Just like in the mobile banking industry, system interruptions are common and are experienced even in developed countries," Barasa said.
Barasa urged Kenyans to consider where the country is moving from, saying the new system cannot be compared to the defunct NHIF that only benefited a section of Kenyans.
SHA, she said, has over 18 million Kenyans registered already and plans to cover all Kenyans.
“So many Kenyans could previously not access health care before. That’s where we are coming from. We are happy the new server came in on Friday, and we’re working on the technical issues to ensure it works efficiently," she said.
She urged Kenyans to be patient, noting that the objective is to ensure everyone can access health regardless of their economic status.
“When you look at other countries’ systems, everybody can access health care. That’s the bare minimum. After that, we can review the waiting time and system challenges. For now, accessibility, affordability and quality are really critical.”
Barasa also added that the Ministry is going round the counties, identifying the challenges they are facing and escalating the issues in the government.
Her ministry, she noted, is also working with other departments, such as the National Registration Bureau, to ensure identification cards are issued with ease to allow patients to access healthcare.
