Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on Kenyans yet to register under the Social Health Authority to do so to be able to reap the health benefits.
Speaking at the Boda Boda summit in Embu on Saturday, Kindiki said the government is listening to feedback from Kenyans on areas that need improvement.
He said since the rollout of the new SHA programme, 18.5 million Kenyans have registered, compared to just nine millions who were registered under the now defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
"We want to push that figure upwards so that every Kenyan will have a medical cover card. It will help you whether employed or not and whether you are poor or rich," he said.
He said the government has heard what leaders have said, and will improve the programme to ensure no Kenyan is oppressed in payment.
"I want to comment on behalf of the government that we will make sure we relook at and adjust the Means Testing Tool for SHA to make sure that people are not asked to pay what they can not afford," Kindiki said.
"Don't be worried, we are listening to the feedback that you are giving us, we are a listening government, and we will adjust whatever everyone pays to ensure the people of Kenya are comfortable and are happy with what the government is giving," he said.
Early this week, Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai and Social Health Authority Board Chairman Abdi Mohamed rallied MPs to lead campaign to register Kenyans with new health insurance.
Kimtai and Mohammed urged MPs to champion the programme in their constituencies, emphasizing its potential to provide equitable healthcare access.
They underscored the importance of sensitisation of SHA registration and its benefits, emphasising that increased enrollment would ensure every Kenyan has access to affordable and quality healthcare.
“We are calling on you as leaders to take this message to your constituents. Your endorsement and active involvement are critical to bridging the gap between the government and the people,” Mohamed said.
