By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Health Cabinet Secretary, Nakhumicha S. Wafula presided over a Social Health Authority (SHA) digital registration test run, alongside the World Blood Donor Day celebrations at Marsabit KMTC grounds in Marsabit County today.
The event precedes a nationwide registration campaign across all 47 counties.
The CS urged Kenyans to register under the new SHA scheme, aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage.
She emphasized the forthcoming shift from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA), scheduled for July 1, 2024, and urged residents to back the government’s healthcare reforms.
Kenyans can register via USSD code *147#, the SHA website, public hospitals, or through the help of 107,000 Community Health Promoters.
The CS emphasized that the Linda Mama program remains in place under SHA, extending coverage to households and school-going children.
The CS also responded favourably to Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali’s request to introduce more courses in KMTC.
“She also responded positively to Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali’s request for Clinical Medicine and Nursing courses at the local Kenya Medical Training College, with assessments to begin in September,” the Ministry of Health stated.
“The Social Health Insurance Act establishes the Social Health Authority, which will manage the Primary Health Care Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, and the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund,” CS Nakhumicha stated.
Present at the event were Blood Donation Ambassador Charlene Ruto, Governor Mohamud Ali, Woman Representative Naomi Waqo, Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton, SHA Chairman Dr. Timothy Olweny, and KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch.