At least 31,000 people are set to benefit from comprehensive health coverage through the Social Health Authority (SHA) from 2025.
Through a statement on Tuesday, December 31, SHA revealed an MoU had been signed between the Authority and Murang’a County Government to cover residents in the area.
The cover, dubbed Kang’ata Care according to SHA, is mainly set to target the elderly, orphans, and chronically ill in the county. It will run from January 1, 2025, and end on December 31 the same year.
According to the authority, the move was in line with Kenya Kwanza’s long-term plans to provide affordable healthcare countrywide.
Social Health Authority building in Nairobi
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Wingubox
“SHA and Murang’a County sign an MOU to provide medical insurance to 31,000 vulnerable residents. Prioritising the elderly, orphans, & chronically ill. A step closer to healthcare for all,” a statement from the Authority read.
It went on, “Murang’a County takes pride in being the first county in Kenya to implement this mandate, setting a benchmark for other counties. This initiative highlights the strength of collaboration between national and county institutions in addressing healthcare needs and strengthening Kenya’s social safety nets.”
Beneficiaries of the program will receive wide benefits including inpatient and outpatient services, maternity care, and emergency care. The services will be provided by contracted healthcare providers in the county.
According to Murang’a County Governor Irung’u Kang’ata, premiums for the beneficiaries will be paid quarterly in advance by his county government. This will ensure the smooth flow of services throughout the period the medical cover is supposed to last.
Registration of the beneficiaries will be overseen by SHA CEO Robert Ingasira, with the Authority set to provide support and sensitize communities about the program. The sensitization bit is crucial, especially after it was discovered that a large chunk of Kenyans were yet to register for Taifa Care because they had little to no knowledge of what it entailed.
Earlier in December, Ingasira admitted there was a knowledge gap in the scheme, as he reiterated the importance of mobilisation efforts from the government.
Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa announced on December 24 plans to collaborate with devolved units to enhance Social Health Authority (SHA) mass registration.
The 30-day registration drive will be launched in mid-January 2025, with the Ministry intending to soar registration numbers to ensure most, if not all Kenyans are registered for the new scheme.
Health CS Deborah Barasa
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Ministry of Health