Govt to Disrupt Learning for Mass SHA Registration in Schools

Learning in schools across the country will temporarily be disrupted at various points as the government begins registering learners for Taifa Care being administered by the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The new push comes as the government continues with its bid to register all Kenyans to the health scheme. To register the learners, the ministries of Education and Health are partnering together.

On Thursday, learning was halted in public schools in Mombasa for the exercise to be conducted by Community Health Promoters, and the other parts of the country are expected to witness the same.

During the registration process, parents accompanied their children to school for the registration. This is something that will force parents to travel to schools to achieve the government’s plan.

Last year, the government indicated it might send students who are yet to register for SHA home. But now, the government has revised the strategy that would have caused more chaos in schools.

Education CS Julius Ogamba who witnessed the kickoff of the process said the Ministry is also taking data on learners who lack birth certificates for the Ministry of Interior to start issuing birth certificates.

“This exercise is important because a healthy nation is a working nation. We need a nation that is doing well in terms of education and health,” stated Ogamba at Migadini Junior Secondary School (JSS).

The government last year mandated that all school-going children be registered under SHIF as dependents. This directive aims to ensure that learners have access to comprehensive healthcare services under the SHIF, which is part of the country’s Universal Health Coverage initiative.

Previously, students in public secondary schools were covered under the EduAfya medical scheme through the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). However, with the transition to SHIF, the EduAfya program has been integrated into the new scheme.

Unlike EduAfya, which only covers public secondary school students, SHIF aims to provide coverage for all learners, including those in private institutions and at all educational levels.

However, apprehension remains over SHA’s rollout, which has seen some people face challenges using the scheme.

But the government remains unmoved, with President William Ruto asserting this week, “I promised to streamline health matters. Previously, with NHIF, you needed a job or the capacity to pay to be covered. This new programme, with or without a job, you will have access to treatment and medication in hospitals. There are people spreading propaganda out here. Registration for SHA or Taifa Care is free.”

“If you are not able to pay, the government will pay for you,” he added.