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Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka has called on the government to provide clear guidelines on what the Social Health Authority (SHA) covers.

In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, December 14, 2024, Onyonka highlighted the confusion many Kenyans face regarding the new healthcare program.

“Mr. President, we have a problem. Can Kenyans be told exactly what SHA covers and what it doesn’t? Do we care?” he questioned.

Onyonka has been vocal in his criticism of President William Ruto’s new health initiative, citing inefficiencies and the struggles Kenyans are experiencing under the SHA. The senator expressed particular concern about the SHA’s e-claims portal, which caused disruptions in healthcare service delivery.

Earlier in the week, Onyonka raised alarm over the state of Kenya’s healthcare system, urging citizens to brace themselves for a tough festive season. On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, he noted that the system was faltering, with reports that SHA’s e-claims portal experiencing a technical glitch.

Similarly, Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina also voiced his discontent with the SHA, describing the difficulties Kenyans face in accessing health services. On Friday, December 6, 2024, Ledama shared his frustration, revealing that he has been inundated with messages from citizens regarding the program.

“In the past eight months, I have received many messages from citizens, but the saddest of all is this one: ‘Senator, I miss NHIF, please help us,” Ledama disclosed in his statement.

The senator expressed concern that the new healthcare scheme is not meeting the needs of the people, noting that some Kenyans feel abandoned by the system and nostalgic for the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which SHA replaced.

The rollout of the Social Health Authority, intended to reform the healthcare system, has faced criticism from various stakeholders, including citizens, healthcare providers, and legislators.

Ruto’s promise

President William Ruto has pledged to keep the SHA free of corruption during his tenure.

Speaking at the Kilifi International Investment Conference in Vipingo on Thursday, December 5, Ruto emphasized the government’s determination to eliminate corruption from the revamped health insurance scheme. He acknowledged that such issues had previously plagued the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

“The challenges of fraud and corruption that crippled the NHIF will never be part of our universal healthcare plan as long as I am in charge,” Ruto assured.