Kericho records major SHA uptake as residents register

DOMINIC CHERES- KNA

Kericho County has enrolled 586,568 residents under the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme, accounting for about 65 per cent of its target population of 901,777, officials have said.

Senior Registration and Complaints Officer, Leonard Rono said the County still needs to enroll an additional 35 per cent of its population to achieve universal coverage, urging stakeholders to intensify mobilization and public sensitization efforts.

Rono was presenting a Status Report on SHA during a County service delivery meeting held at the County Commissioner’s Boardroom in Kericho and Chaired by County Commissioner, Jeremiah Mwai Gicheru, and attended by Heads of National government departments. 

He described SHA as a relatively new institution established under the Social Health Insurance Act No. 16 of 2023, to replace the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), with a mandate to manage public health insurance and spearhead the implementation of universal health coverage.

“SHA is still a new baby and we are continuously improving our services. We welcome feedback from all stakeholders, to help us serve Kenyans better,” said Rono.

He explained that SHA operates three core funds, including the Primary Health Care Fund, which is fully financed by the Government and accessible upon registration, the Social Health Insurance Fund.