The national government, through the Ministry of Health, has revealed plans to collaborate with devolved units to enhance Social Health Authority (SHA) mass registration.
Speaking in Kitale after holding a consultative engagement with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa said the 30-day registration drive to be launched in mid-January 2025 will ensure more Kenyans, if not all, are registered.
“It is the intention of the government to ensure that all Kenyans benefit from this programme. That explains why there is a need for each and every Kenyan to register. We don’t want to leave anyone out,” she stressed.
As she appealed for a collective effort from all Kenyans to ensure the exercise achieves the desired results, Dr. Barasa pointed out that besides governors, other elected leaders and Community Health Promoters have been earmarked to be the front runners.
Meanwhile, she emphasized commitment by the national government to help devolved units equip health facilities across the country in order to ensure quality service delivery.
The CS, who said she was impressed with the ongoing efforts by the County Government of Trans Nzoia to uplift Kijana Wamalwa Teaching and Referral Hospital (KWTRH), promised to make a follow-up on the presidential pledge of Sh50 million to be used to equip the facility.
Governor Natembeya promised to collaborate and work closely with the national government to ensure programs meant to benefit the public succeed.
He revealed plans to launch more renovation works at KWTRH in an effort to make it the best service provider in the region.
With the help of the national government and other willing partners, Natembeya said plans to set up a regional laboratory and cancer centre at the facility are in the pipeline.
Present during the engagement were Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi, County Executive Committee Member in Charge of Health Sam Ojwang, and Chief Officer Dr. Judith Simiyu.
By Isaiah Nayika