Ruto defends the Universal Health Plan under fire due to controversies surrounding the SHA implementation
The Social Health Authority (SHA), launched under President William Ruto in October 2024, is making strides towards promoting Universal Health Coverage in Kenya. As of August 2025, the SHA has registered over 25 million Kenyans and contracted more than 11,000 public, private, and faith-based health facilities nationwide.
Significant financial progress has been made with the SHA disbursing over Ksh.56 billion in 10 months, tripling the annual payout of the previous NHIF system. Dedicated funds have been set aside, including Ksh.13 billion for outpatient services and Ksh.8 billion for emergencies, to ensure free services at dispensaries, health centers, and sub-county hospitals.
To enhance efficiency and reduce fraud, the program has transitioned from One-Time Password (OTP) access codes to biometric health IDs and a mobile application called Practice 360. Biometric registration is now available in higher-level facilities to protect public funds and improve service delivery.
However, challenges persist. Critics have raised concerns about lack of public awareness regarding the SHA's implementation, affordability, and transparency. There are reports of some hospitals continuing to charge for services that the SHA fully funds, which the government has condemned and seeks to eliminate.
Unemployed Kenyans have voiced concerns over compulsory contributions in the SHA program. Hospitals have reported delayed payments in the SHA program, with claims totaling KSh12.4 million as of the latest report. President Ruto has warned that billing citizens for services already funded by the government is "not acceptable."
To address these issues, President Ruto has urged counties to work closely with the national government in implementing the SHA. He has also stated that the government will help counties share the responsibility of paying for indigents in the SHA program.
Despite these challenges, President Ruto remains confident in the SHA program. He has revealed that the government has developed advanced data systems and algorithms to determine household incomes and ensure that the most vulnerable receive full state support. Access to health services should be a right, not a privilege, for all Kenyans according to President Ruto.
In summary, the SHA program under President Ruto has made strong financial and enrollment gains, adopted advanced biometric technology to curb fraud, and expanded healthcare provider networks. However, it faces challenges in public communication, consistent implementation, and fraud enforcement. The government is taking steps to address these issues and ensure that every Kenyan who is registered in SHA receives free treatment without paying anything.
[1] Source: The Standard, Kenya [2] Source: Daily Nation, Kenya [3] Source: Business Daily, Kenya [4] Source: Citizen TV, Kenya
- The Social Health Authority (SHA) is a major step towards Universal Health Coverage in Kenya, led by President William Ruto.
- As of August 2025, over 25 million Kenyans have registered with the SHA.
- More than 11,000 public, private, and faith-based health facilities have been contracted by the SHA.
- The SHA has disbursed over Ksh.56 billion in just 10 months, tripling the annual payout of the previous NHIF system.
- Dedicated funds have been allocated for outpatient services and emergencies within the SHA.
- To improve efficiency and reduce fraud, the SHA has transitioned to biometric health IDs and a mobile application called Practice 360.
- Biometric registration is now available in higher-level facilities to protect public funds and improve service delivery.
- Critics have raised concerns about the lack of public awareness, affordability, and transparency of the SHA.
- Some hospitals are still charging for services that the SHA fully funds.
- President Ruto condemns billing citizens for services already funded by the government.
- Counties have been encouraged to work closely with the national government to implement the SHA.
- The government will help counties share the responsibility of paying for indigents in the SHA program.
- President Ruto is confident in the SHA program due to advanced data systems and algorithms for determining household incomes.
- Access to health services should be a right, not a privilege, for all Kenyans according to President Ruto.
- Challenges in public communication, consistent implementation, and fraud enforcement persist in the SHA program.
- Hospitals have reported delayed payments in the SHA program, with claims totaling KSh12.4 million.
- Unemployed Kenyans have voiced concerns over compulsory contributions in the SHA program.
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