Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the rollout of the Social Health Authority, dismissing criticism from opposition leaders and announcing a KSh45 million nationwide enrolment campaign.
Speaking Tuesday during an inspection tour of development projects in Runyenjes Constituency in Embu County, Kindiki said the programme will not fail despite early challenges.
“SHA will not collapse. It will be much better,” he said, adding that the government is targeting to enrol 45 million Kenyans by December and achieve full national coverage of 55 million citizens by June 2027.
He noted that the programme is aimed at delivering universal health coverage and addressing gaps left by the former National Hospital Insurance Fund, which covered about seven million Kenyans.
Kindiki said it is wrong for leaders to dismiss a programme that seeks to benefit millions, adding that ongoing improvements will strengthen efficiency and service delivery.
SHA reforms and development agenda
The Deputy President said SHA has already begun easing the burden of costly medical bills for many households, with reforms underway to improve benefits and access.
“We are making it better. We will raise the limits so that it covers all medical costs and free our people from harambees to pay hospital bills,” he said.
He accused opposition leaders of criticising government programmes out of frustration, claiming they failed to deliver when they held office.
During the visit, Kindiki inspected the Karurumo ESP Market and the Kanyuambora Kamumu Siakago Road, part of infrastructure projects valued at KSh12 billion in Embu County.
The government is also overseeing construction of 12 modern markets in the region as part of broader economic development efforts.
Kindiki said he remains focused on service delivery and will not be distracted by political criticism.
“I will work hard every day for Kenyans because leadership is for a period,” he said.
He urged residents to support government initiatives and ignore leaders spreading misinformation about ongoing reforms.
