Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has expressed concern over the slow enrolment of new members under the Social Health Authority in the county.
According to data from SHA, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties are the least in terms of registration.
Wajir has registered 32,087 against a target population 781,263, Garissa has registered 20,674 against a target population of 905,000 while Mandera has only managed to register 29,529 against a target population of 867,457.
Reasons given for the slow numbers of registration include widespread illiteracy and lack of enough information on new scheme due to poor sensitisation.
Speaking to the press after chairing the County Steering Committee meeting meant to bolster the county’s registration efforts, Abdullahi said many residents especially in those in remote villages, have little information about the new health scheme.
He said going forward, the county administration will work closely with officers from national government to ensure the exercise is successful.
“As a county, we are committed to making this initiative a success. The current population is way below the target and this should worry all of us,” he said.
“We urge the people of Wajir to participate in this programme to access essential healthcare services and contribute to building a healthier future,” he said.
He added: “We also appreciate the invaluable support of the county commissioner-led team in driving the success of this initiative. Together, my administration will work closely with his office so that together, we make the programme a success and as a result, we can build a healthier Wajir.”
Wajir county commissioner Karuki Ngumu said the government is determined to ensure all Kenyans are registered, saying that officials from Ngao will continue to work closely with those from the county to make the exercise a success. “
"This programme aims to improve access to primary healthcare services, provide social health insurance coverage, and offer care for chronic illnesses. Administrators your job is already cut out. You have to up your game as far as ensuring every citizen here is registered,” he said.
