Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is on the verge of collapse.
Kindiki spoke in Karurumo, Runyenjes, Embu County, where he inspected market projects, roads, and electricity connections. He assured Kenyans that SHA remains stable and urged them to register and contribute.
“Only 7 million Kenyans had registered under the defunct NHIF medical cover out of a population of 55 million. As we speak, 30.2 million Kenyans are now under SHA medical cover. We will continue to strengthen and expand SHA, enhancing payable limits so it can cover all types of illnesses. This is the only way to relieve Kenyans from the burden of fundraising for medical expenses or relying on well-wishers,” said Prof. Kindiki.
Kindiki dismissed Gachagua’s remarks and called him a “prophet of doom.” He insisted SHA will not collapse. He said the scheme will cover 45 million Kenyans by December and 55 million by June next year.
Earlier this week, Rigathi Gachagua warned that SHA could face serious operational challenges within six months. He spoke at ACK Diocese of Kirinyaga in Ndia Constituency on Sunday, March 29.
“I have information that SHA will collapse in six months, and we will have a crisis in the health sector,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua pointed to unpaid hospital bills, especially in faith-based and private facilities, as a major concern.
Kindiki urged the opposition to be patient and allow reforms in the health sector to take shape.
