The Ministry of Interior and that of Health have today held a collaborative meeting ahead of the much-anticipated roll-out of the Universal Health Care programme.
During the meeting held at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, emphasis was placed on the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to ensure they play their roles effectively.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo reminded the officers that the success of the programme solely lies within their purview.
Omollo pointed out that it is through their leadership and coordination that will ensure more Kenyans are registered in the programme.
“I urge you to accord this task the full support and attention that it requires to attain the desired goals,” he said.
A section of NGAOs from across the country, including senior officials from the Ministry of Health, attended the meeting.
“The synergy between Health Officials and NGAOs is essential for the success of this programme. It will go a long way in ensuring a seamless transition for the NHIF to the new cover,” he added.
In undertaking the duty, the PS told the officers that they will be required to utilise diverse avenues to ensure effective sensitization and registration of citizens.
“It is imperative that you address any emerging issues on the programme and ensure no citizen is extorted for the service,” he remarked.
Acknowledging disinformation and misinformation on the programme, Omollo challenged them to counter it by providing correct information to the public.
He also assured the Ministry of Health that the officials are ready to deliver on the task within the timelines.
The government, according to the PS, has a robust machinery consisting of Regional Commissioners and 47 County Commissioners spearheading the exercise.
At the counties, there are also 389 Deputy County Commissioners, 986 Assistant County Commissioners, 3,999 Chiefs and 9,104 Assistant Chiefs.
The programme is set to be launched by President William Ruto on October 1 marking the end of NHIF and the transition of SHA.