Speaking during the launch of SHA Sponsorship programme at State House, Nairobi, the president explained that the health insurance scheme would allow the beneficiaries to access health services across all hospitals free of charge.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing Universal Health Coverage for every Kenyan.
"We are paying for 558,000 households, translating to 2.2 million Kenyans. We have over 6,000 hospitals where Kenyans can access medical services and this is anchored in law," he said. According to the head of state, the government shared the list of households with leaders and partners who had expressed interest in supporting the program.
He lauded an anonymous philanthropist who pledged to pay SHA coverage for at least 113,000 Kenyans. The president also beseeched Members of Parliament to follow suit and support their needy constituents.
"I want to persuade MPs, tuko na CDF. Wakenya ambao hawajiwezi wanaweza kulipiwa under CDF. They have assured me that the regulation allows MPs to pay."
Further, President Ruto assured the public that medical equipment worth Ksh.220 billion would be supplied to all counties to address shortages across hospitals at various tier levels.
"We are working with counties to have the requisite equipment. I want to thank those who have signed up and by December, all the equipment will be in counties. The equipment is close to Ksh.220 billion. I want to commend manufacturers who are working to get it done. Already 25 counties have received supplies," he explained.
The head of state added that the process of digitising medical services at Level 2 and 3 hospitals would be completed by November.
Launched in October 2024 to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), SHA program has been part of Ruto's legacy projects since he assumed office.
Unlike the NHIF, which was largely limited to formal sector contributions and often criticized for inefficiencies, SHA introduced a mandatory contribution of 2.75 per cent of gross monthly income for employed Kenyans, while those in the informal sector pay a flat rate.
According to the latest data from SHA boss Mercy Mwangangi, the contributory fund has collected Ksh.70 billion contributions from 4.8 million Kenyans since inception. This comprises 890,000 Kenyans from the informal sector and 4 million salaried contributors.
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