By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Kenya is set to make a major advancement in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the official launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA) on October 1st, 2024.
The announcement was made by Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah M. Barasa during a media breakfast meeting held at Sarova Panafric in Nairobi.
“We are rolling out SHA on 1st October 2024. It’s a stepwise approach, with the benefit package based on available resources. We will continue to improve the system as we move forward. This is a paradigm shift for Kenya and beyond,” CS Health Dr. Deborah M. Barasa said.
According to the Ministry of Health the Social Health Authority which will replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), aims to provide affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare services to all Kenyans.
The SHA is supported by new legislative frameworks, including the Social Health Insurance Act, which mandates enrolment and expands benefits; the Digital Health Act, establishing a Digital Health Agency; and the Primary Health Act, which ensures accessible and effective healthcare at the grassroots level.
Dr. Barasa revealed that the SHA’s comprehensive benefit package has been finalized, with the current government funding covers 4% of the total estimated costs.
Dr. Barasa noted that the government has allocated Ksh. 6.1 billion for the Social Health Authority, which is just a fraction of the Ksh. 168 billion needed for full implementation.
To enhance efficiency and improve healthcare delivery, the government is partnering with safaricom to digitalize healthcare services, a collaboration aimed at improving data management.
“In addition to launching the SHA, the government is partnering with Safaricom to digitalise healthcare services, which will enhance efficiency and data management,” Ministry of Health said on an X post.
Dr. Barasa acknowledged the funding challenges but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving healthcare services.
The State Department for Medical Services said that Social Health Authority will transform Kenya’s healthcare system with a seamless transition for new benefits and claims management.
PS Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, announced that advanced health information management and e-claim systems are ready for deployment.
The meeting was attended by key health leaders, including Principal Secretaries Mr. Harry Kimtai (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, SHA Chairperson Mr. Abdi Mohammed, and SHA CEO Mr. Elijah Wachira among others.
The SHA will replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as the primary provider of affordable and quality healthcare services for all Kenyans.