Boni Khalwale Schools Health CS Barasa on SHA Challenges: “There Is a Problem”
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has pointed out that inadequate funding is the major obstacle hindering the success of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
His stance aligned with Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, who also attributed the inefficiencies of the newly introduced health scheme to financial constraints.
Barasa, a UDA-elected legislator, argued that SHA has not yet resolved the gaps left by the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). While acknowledging President William Ruto’s good intentions with the initiative, he noted that over 15 million Kenyans registered under SHA are struggling to access medical services due to financial difficulties.
He alleged that many healthcare facilities are refusing to treat patients because the government has not settled its outstanding payments to them.
“The president asked us to mobilize Kenyans to register for SHA, but the problem is that our people are being turned away because SHA owes hospitals millions of shillings, making it impossible for them to offer services,” Barasa stated.
The lawmaker suggested that the president allocate substantial funding to the programme, arguing that relying on deductions from a small fraction of salaried Kenyans to sustain the healthcare needs of 15 million people is not viable.
He further urged President Ruto to instruct the Exchequer, with Parliament’s approval, to release sufficient funds to SHA so that it can fulfill its mandate effectively.
Barasa also appeared to caution the president that the shortcomings of SHA could undermine his efforts in delivering services to Kenyans and potentially impact his reelection prospects in 2027.
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Boni Khalwale Schools Health CS Barasa on SHA Challenges: “There Is a Problem”
