Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has reassured Kenyans that his administration’s promise of universal health coverage (UHC) is steadily taking shape even despite criticism from some quarters.
Ruto stated more than 27 million people have already registered under the new Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking Wednesday during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Evangelical Association of Kenya at CITAM, Karen, in Nairobi, the Head of State said that while many Kenyans had initially doubted his government’s commitments, tangible results were now visible.
“Sometimes I get into trouble with Kenyans because I walk by faith, while many walk by sight. They say, ‘we have not seen, you are lying,’” he remarked.
“But the commitments we made, by God’s grace, those who did not see are beginning to see. You cannot hide the houses anymore, you cannot hide the markets anymore.”
The President noted that the country had long struggled with the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which only catered for salaried individuals and those with the means to contribute.
“NHIF was about people who have means, who can pay and who have salaries,” he stated. He said the SHA had expanded access to affordable healthcare, with enrollment increasing from seven million under NHIF to 27 million currently.
“Slowly we are refining it, and I promise you, by God’s grace, it will be possible for each and every citizen of Kenya to be treated and paid for without the burden of selling their properties to meet medical expenses,” he affirmed.
Ruto further revealed that faith-based hospitals, which had initially expressed concerns about the new system, were now beginning to acknowledge its effectiveness.
“They were complaining that SHA is not working , they graduated and said yes it is working,” he said.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.
The President urged Kenyans to remain patient as reforms continue to take root, emphasising that the transformation of the health sector would mark one of his administration’s most significant achievements.
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