Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa Urges Counties to Lead SHA Rollout Sensitization Mombasa, September 26, 2024

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa, today emphasized the critical role counties will play in the rollout of services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) as Kenya moves closer to achieving universal health coverage (UHC).

Speaking during the closing of a sensitisation workshop for County Executive Committee (CEC) members for health in Mombasa, Dr. Barasa hailed the SHA as a lifeline for millions of Kenyans who have struggled to access quality healthcare due to financial barriers.

“The SHA is designed to provide an inclusive, people-centered healthcare approach, ensuring that no Kenyan is denied essential health services because of cost,” said Dr. Barasa. She highlighted the SHA's pivotal role in addressing the burden county health facilities face in waiving bills for citizens who cannot afford basic healthcare services.

Dr. Barasa noted that the passage of four health laws in 2023 – the Primary Healthcare Act, Social Health Insurance Act, Digital Health Act, and Facility Improvement Financing Act – laid a strong foundation for transforming healthcare delivery.

She urged CEC members to take the lead in sensitizing healthcare workers and the public about the benefits of the SHA, ensuring that the public is fully informed and engaged. The CS also called on counties to support the digitization of health facilities, repurpose healthcare workers for UHC, and ensure that SHA help desks are set up in all health facilities to answer public queries.

"Our journey to UHC has been long, but with the rollout of the SHA, we are on the right track. Together, we will ensure that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing quality healthcare," Dr. Barasa concluded.

This workshop is part of the Ministry of Health's ongoing efforts to prepare counties for the full rollout of SHA services on October 1, 2024.