President William Ruto has defended the new digital healthcare system, stating that it will eliminate fraud that previously plagued the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Speaking during the funeral of Malava MP Malulu Injendi in Kakamega County, Ruto dismissed negative reports about the Social Health Authority (SHA), arguing that they were fueled by individuals who exploited loopholes in NHIF to siphon funds.
According to the president, up to forty percent of NHIF resources were lost due to fraudulent activities, and the introduction of SHA aims to ensure accountability in healthcare financing.
President Ruto also refuted claims that the government was directly funding the digital system running SHA, clarifying that it operates on a fee-for-service model. He criticized those pushing what he termed as propaganda, insisting that the government would not revert to the old system.
“They do not want a functional technology system because it prevents them from stealing. The era of corruption is over. We will not allocate funds to hospitals without accountability. Payments will only be made for services rendered,” Ruto asserted.
He urged Kenyans to register for SHA, emphasizing that quality healthcare should be accessible to all, not just the wealthy. The president pointed out that only five hundred thousand out of 1.8 million eligible people in Kakamega County had signed up for SHA.
Citing the case of the late Malulu Injendi, Ruto revealed that his hospital bill had reached Ksh9 million, which was covered by Parliament’s insurance. He stressed that the goal is to ensure all Kenyans receive similar benefits.
During his speech, Ruto also urged the selection panel responsible for appointing Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials to expedite the process. He noted that filling vacant elective positions, including Malava Constituency, depended on a functional electoral body.
The president further pledged to collaborate with leaders from Kakamega County to fast-track key development projects, including road construction, electricity expansion, and agricultural programs aimed at improving the local economy.
He also reassured farmers in Western Kenya that the government’s plan to lease public sugar companies—Nzoia, Chemelil, Muhoroni, and Sony—was progressing well. He noted that Mumias Sugar Company had already been leased, with farmers reaping the benefits.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who was also in attendance, criticized misinformation surrounding government initiatives, including SHA and the Affordable Housing Programme. He dismissed claims that affordable housing units lack title deeds, explaining that the law allows for sectional title deeds for the units.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula likened resistance to SHA to discomfort when wearing new shoes, arguing that while change may be difficult at first, it ultimately brings better outcomes.
Similarly, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah urged Kenyans to ignore misleading reports about SHA, emphasizing that healthcare is a personal matter.
“Do not be swayed by disinformation. Your health is your responsibility. When your health fails, it is you who will be affected,” he said.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot echoed the same sentiments, revealing that SHA had already facilitated the payment of Ksh19 billion in hospital bills for vulnerable citizens.
“Instead of believing misinformation, register and see for yourself whether SHA will work for you,” he said.
