MPs will on Tuesday hold an informal meeting at Parliament Buildings to discuss challenges facing the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Programme.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and other players in the sector will appear before the Kamukunji to enlighten MPs on progress made in the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The public through their elected representatives had voiced concerns over the teething problems the implementation of the medical scheme was facing.
In a communication to the House, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula noted that the rollout of the scheme has been encouraging despite some challenges.
“MPs have raised concerns from the electorate regarding some of teething problems in the implementation of the programme,” he said.
Wetang'ula noted that Barasa made a request to engage with MPs on various matters relating to the implementation of the programme.
Kenya’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage has evolved over three decades through incremental reforms.
But by far the boldest step taken so far was in 2022 when the government embarked on an overhaul of the healthcare system under President William Ruto’s economic transformation agenda.
The new Social Health Insurance Fund – implemented across the country from October 2024 – replaces the 58-year-old NHIF and aims to provide all Kenyans with quality healthcare.
Under the Social Health Insurance Act, passed in 2023, the new scheme mandates health coverage for all.
It is backed up with regulations requiring the mandatory registration of all residents of Kenya.
The new healthcare system introduces the Primary Health Fund for basic care at local clinics, the Social Health Insurance Fund for advanced services at larger hospitals, and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund to cover emergency and long-term treatments.
However, the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund is facing a number of challenges.
These include financing gaps, reimbursement delays and infrastructure constraints that affect service delivery.
In addition, the changes are being met with public resistance, low registration rates and concerns about the new member contribution model.
