Aden Duale Urges Kenyans to Register For SHA

Aden Duale, CS for Health, has called upon Kenyans from all walks of life to enroll in masses in the new Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme under the Social Health Alliance (SHA), emphasizing its broad inclusivity and critical role in achieving equitable healthcare access for all citizens.

Speaking as the chief guest during a fundraising event for Harhosa Mixed Day Secondary School at the Moyale Baraza Park in Marsabit County, Aden Duale outlined the key features and advantages of the SHA, describing it as a transformative step forward from the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

According to Duale, SHA allows individuals to register up to four wives and an unlimited number of children, provided they can demonstrate dependency. This move is seen as an effort to accommodate the diverse family structures present in various Kenyan communities, particularly in pastoralist and rural areas where polygamous families are common.

“The new Social Health Alliance is designed with every Kenyan in mind. It recognizes the realities of our society, especially among pastoralist communities. We are ensuring that no child or spouse is left behind when it comes to accessing healthcare,” said Aden Duale.

A Shift Towards Inclusive Healthcare

Duale emphasized that the SHA offers comprehensive coverage to all citizens regardless of employment status, a significant departure from the NHIF, which mainly catered to formally employed individuals. He noted that many Kenyans, especially those working in informal sectors or living in rural areas, had been left out of critical health services under the old system.

“Healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege for a few. The new system ensures that even the unemployed, informal workers, and those in marginalized communities receive the medical attention they deserve,” he added.

The Health CS pointed out that the UHC under SHA is not merely about hospital visits but also preventive healthcare, health education, and addressing health challenges before they escalate into costly treatments. By doing so, Kenya aims to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on families and move closer to achieving universal health outcomes.

Crackdown on Health Sector Cartels

In a strongly worded statement, CS Aden Duale criticized individuals and groups opposing the new SHA system, accusing them of benefiting from fraudulent practices linked to the old NHIF structure. He labeled them “cartels” who had manipulated the system for personal gain at the expense of ordinary Kenyans.

“Those opposing this progressive healthcare system are simply trying to protect their selfish interests. They made millions through fictitious claims and ghost patients under NHIF. We are dismantling these cartels to build a health system based on integrity and service to the people,” Duale declared.

The CS further assured Kenyans that the government, under President William Ruto’s leadership, is committed to ensuring accountability and transparency within the SHA framework to prevent corruption and inefficiency.

A Political Call to Action

In addition to discussing healthcare reforms, Duale used the platform to rally political support for President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 general elections. He urged residents of pastoralist counties, including Marsabit, to stand firmly with the President, citing the administration’s efforts to address historical inequalities and promote development in marginalized areas.

“President Ruto has shown true commitment to uplifting the pastoralist communities. We must continue to support his leadership so that the progress we are witnessing today can be sustained and expanded,” said Duale.

He highlighted various government initiatives targeting pastoralist regions, including infrastructure development, education, and security enhancement, as evidence of Ruto’s dedication to inclusive national growth.

Community Leaders Voice Support

Duale was joined at the event by a host of leaders, including the first Governor of Marsabit and former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Amb. Ukur Yatani, North Horr MP Hon. Adhe Wario, and several local leaders, who all expressed their support for the SHA and called for unity among the residents.

Amb. Yatani lauded the government’s efforts to restructure the healthcare sector, noting that access to affordable healthcare was crucial for the prosperity of marginalized regions like Marsabit.

“We have long suffered from poor health services in northern Kenya. The new UHC plan provides a real opportunity for us to turn the tide and ensure our people lead healthier, more productive lives,” said Yatani.

MP Adhe Wario emphasized the importance of sensitizing residents about the benefits of the new health system and called on local leaders to lead by example by enrolling their families first.

“We must champion this cause among our people. Let us register, let us inform others, and let us ensure that every man, woman, and child is covered,” he said.

Public Reception and Future Prospects

The SHA has been met with a generally positive reception among Kenyans, particularly those in the informal sector and rural communities who had long felt excluded by the NHIF framework. However, challenges remain, including ensuring effective public awareness, simplifying the registration process, and maintaining the integrity of the system. https://touchdigitalnews.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=551&action=edit

Duale assured that the Ministry of Health is already rolling out nationwide sensitization programs, working with local leaders, health workers, and community organizations to educate citizens about the benefits of SHA and how to enroll.

“We are using every available channel—barazas, churches, mosques, schools, and the media—to reach every corner of this country. No one should be left behind,” he asserted.

As Kenya moves forward with the implementation of SHA, the success of the program will depend heavily on continued political goodwill, efficient management, and active citizen participation. The government’s ambitious vision is to make Kenya a model of universal healthcare in Africa, ensuring that all citizens, irrespective of their background, can access quality medical services without facing financial hardship.

In closing his remarks, Duale reminded Kenyans that health is the foundation of development.

“A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Let us seize this moment, register ourselves and our families, and build a future where no Kenyan dies because they could not afford healthcare,” he concluded, receiving a standing ovation from the gathered crowd. https://shorturl.at/C7c0U