Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has promised that the government is taking keen measures to enhance efficiency on the controversial Social Health Authority (SHA) after complaints that the health scheme is unreliable.

Speaking in Embu County during the launch of the Strategic Plan 2024-2027 on Saturday, February 1, 2025, Kindiki acknowledged the administrative challenge posed by the health scheme noting that the state will evaluate the Means Testing Tool to ensure it accommodates everyone including boda boda riders.

“So far, 18.5 million Kenyans have been enrolled up from 9 million citizens who were registered under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

“To address administrative challenges identified in the rollout of Taifa Care Programme, the Government will evaluate the Means Testing Tool to accommodate all Kenyans, including boda boda riders. We encourage Boda Boda riders to join Saccos to access affordable credit and embrace the saving culture,” the DP said.

He further urged Kenyans to continue showing up in numbers to register for the scheme.

Earlier, a section of Members of Parliament (MP) issued complaints over the failures vow the health scheme.

While questioning Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai and Social Health Authority (SHA) Board Chairman Abdi Mohamed, the legislators complained that the program was marred with several issues including poor service delivery, poor communication, inadequate funding, unclear implementation among others.

In particular, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, an ardent supporter of the health scheme criticized SHA’s inadequate communication.

“Your communication is shambolic. MPs are mobilizing Kenyans on their own volition because SHA is failing in its role. If members of Parliament can’t explain the benefits, how do you expect villagers to understand?” he posed.

“The authority is semi-autonomous, and you must show us that you have the capacity and ability to manage the institution. If you are not, you tell us you are not able and then the ministry or the government, or us, ourselves, we can take measure,” he held.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also raised concern on the program’s inability to cater to those living with disabilities.

“Families with disabled children are struggling to register them. What are you doing to address this?” she asked.

“My constituents are suffering. There are no services provided under this program. Can the ministry come up with a questionnaire to know where there are challenges in this program to address the challenge of lack of services in our health facilities,” Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara added.