The transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA) continues to face obstacles, with low registration rates and reluctance in contributions posing major challenges, a top health official has revealed.
Speaking on Spice FM, Senior Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sultani Matendechero, stated that despite increasing sign-ups, only a small fraction of registered members are making payments, affecting the fund’s sustainability.
“The goal of SHA is for everyone to contribute. However, out of those registered, very few are paying. This means we cannot mobilize the resources needed to finance healthcare effectively
Matendechero further raised concerns over individuals manipulating the payment system to minimize their contributions, along with the slow pace of healthcare facilities signing contracts with SHA.
He also alleged that some former employees of the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) are actively working to derail the transition, fearing job losses.
Despite these setbacks, Matendechero reaffirmed the government’s commitment to SHA as the most viable path to achieving universal healthcare. He assured Kenyans that access to health services would not be disrupted, even as the transition process continues.