MP Kibagendi: SHA benefits are inferior to what NHIF used to give
By Faith Lagat, September 15, 2025Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi has raised concerns about the government’s annual Social Health Authority (SHA) payment model, arguing that it disadvantages low-income earners and offers benefits inferior to those previously provided under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Speaking on a local TV station on September 15, 2025, Kibagendi questioned the effectiveness of the model and its ability to deliver universal healthcare coverage.
Also Watch: Omtatah: SHA is extortion, not healthcare reform
Benefits and affordability
Kibagendi highlighted the decline in healthcare service quality under SHA, stating, “On range of services or benefits, the UHC benefits are inferior compared to what NHIF.”
He also criticised the annual payment requirement, emphasising the financial strain it places on low-income Kenyans.
“Covering the population universally is a mirage because they keep telling us 25 million people are registered with SHA, but for you to be taken care of by SHA, you have to be paid up, and what is the amount that people are paying, and why are we pushing Kenyans to pay for the whole year? Particularly Kenyans who cannot afford,” he said.
The MP went further to label the scheme a “scam,” arguing that its rushed implementation was designed to benefit certain individuals quickly.
“SHA is not a reform; SHA is a scam. If it was indeed a reform, the implementation would have taken a bit of time; the rushed implementation was for those who would benefit from it to hurriedly start earning from the scheme.”
Financial risk
Kibagendi also questioned the financial protection offered under SHA, noting that out-of-pocket expenses remain high.
“On financial risk protection, you realise that today the out-of-pocket expenditure by the users is high than it was during NHIF,” he said.
He recalled opposing the scheme alongside Dr. Nyikal during its development, stating, “When we were working around the SHA, the SHIF, Dr. Nyikal understood that this was a plan to defraud Kenyans; that’s why he quit, as he could not defend, together with Nyikal we refused to sign the reports we used to do and we stood in parliament to refuse some of the reforms that were not adding up in the bill.”
Response
Kibagendi stressed the importance of proper claims management, which he said is currently failing under SHA.
While Public Health PS Mary Muthoni defended the annual payment model, saying, “Paying annually in advance guarantees that beneficiaries continue receiving services, even if they face temporary financial hardship due to illness or loss of income,” Kibagendi’s critique highlights ongoing challenges in implementing universal health coverage effectively.
President William Ruto has, however, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to SHA and UHC, stressing that healthcare is a constitutional right.