The government is rolling out universal health coverage to ensure equity in healthcare, President William Ruto has said.
The President said “robust measures” have been implemented, including enacting relevant laws, to guarantee the programme’s success.
He pointed out that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will ensure that every Kenyan has access to quality healthcare regardless of their financial circumstances.
“Let us be honest: Medical bills have been driving many Kenyans into poverty,” he said. “That is why we decided to implement a programme that ensures every Kenyan can receive treatment regardless of their financial situation.”
The President made the remarks during an inter-denominational church service at Kimana, Kajiado County.
Present were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Governors Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado) and Patrick ole Ntutu (Narok).
Others were Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports) and Soipan Tuya (Defence), Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and other MPs, including Kajiado South’s Parashina Sakimba.
The President assured Kenyans that, despite previous failed attempts to implement universal healthcare, the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to delivering on it.
“We have agreed with county governments and all leaders that we must get it right this time,” President Ruto said.
He appealed to Kenyans to register with the SHA, explaining that this would enable the government to gather accurate data for the effective rollout of the programme.
At the same time, the President said that there was no animosity between the Church and the State.
He called for unity among the church, government, political leaders and communities to drive the country’s development agenda.
“This country cannot progress if we are divided. We must be united and work together,” he said.
President Ruto also reassured Kenyans that no region, religion or group would be left behind in pursuing the nation’s development agenda.
The President announced that plans to transfer Amboseli National Park to the people of Kajiado County were at an advanced stage, including approval by the Cabinet, to address what he termed a historical injustice.
However, he urged the local community not to subdivide land adjacent to the park to avoid disrupting the ecosystem.
On the national livestock vaccination drive set for January 2025, he explained that the government would work with counties in this effort to eradicate diseases that have affected Kenya’s meat exports.
“Our aim is to secure markets for our livestock products and boost farmers’ earnings,” President Ruto explained.
On his election to chair the East African Community (EAC) Summit of Heads of State, the President said he would focus on regional peace and trade.
“The EAC is Kenya’s largest market for our products,” he said. “As I take over the chairmanship, I will work with my colleagues to transform barriers into bridges and stumbling blocks into stepping stones to unite the EAC,” the President pointed out.
He explained that this would enhance intra-EAC trade, grow regional economies and create jobs for the youth.
Mr Mudavadi asked Kenyans to cherish and protect the country’s peace and stability.
“We should never take the country’s peace for granted. Let us protect and keep peace,” he said.
Mr Ichung’wah urged Kenyans to register for SHA, highlighting its significant benefits, particularly for those with critical illnesses.
He noted that Taifa Care fulfils the Universal Health Coverage pledge the President made during the last election.
He emphasised that it is not a rushed project but one that has been long overdue.
“Kenyans have suffered for far too long. They cannot afford to wait any longer,” he said.
Mr Kingi said Taifa Care is designed to bring equity in accessing quality healthcare.
“The President has been of the view that it is unfair for leaders to have insurance cover that caters for all their healthcare needs, while the rest of the population suffers,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to ignore those opposed to the SHA programme and register to enjoy its benefits.
Governor Lenku welcomed the government’s initiative to commercialise livestock farming.
“As the county government of Kajiado, we support this programme that seeks to ensure farmers benefit from their livestock,” he said.