Kericho County Commissioner Mr Omari Ali has urged public officers to fully embrace the Social Health Authority (SHA) and familiarize themselves with available healthcare benefits to avoid misinformation and ensure they receive quality medical services under the government’s reformed health financing system.
Speaking at Kericho Township Technical and Vocational College during a sensitisation forum on the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), Ali said the success of the Social Health Authority depends on the active participation, understanding and support of both public servants and healthcare providers.
The County Commissioner described SHA as a critical government programme aimed at making healthcare affordable, accessible and sustainable for all Kenyans, noting that despite initial implementation challenges, the system was steadily improving and addressing concerns raised by beneficiaries.
“Our SHA is our baby and we have to nurture it. I know there are some teething problems and that is why the SHA team is here today to solve them together with you. When you leave this place, become ambassadors of the right information and help others understand how the system works,” said Ali.
The forum brought together officials from the Public Service Commission, Ministry of Interior, Kenya Union of Civil Servants, heads of departments, Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, chiefs and assistant chiefs.
Ali noted that Kenya’s healthcare financing system had undergone a major transformation following the enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, which replaced the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and established three key funds namely the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF).
He said the reforms were designed to reduce the financial burden associated with medical care and protect families from catastrophic health expenditures that previously forced many Kenyans to rely on public fundraising initiatives to settle hospital bills.
The administrator observed that while some complaints had been raised regarding access to services under SHA, many of the challenges stemmed from inadequate information among beneficiaries and service providers.
“Communication is very important. Sometimes people spread the wrong information while others do not understand the benefits available to them. We must ensure that public officers receive accurate information on their entitlements and how to access services,” he said.
Ali further encouraged public servants to understand the relationship between SHA, SHIF, ECCIF and the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund, explaining that the latter provides an additional layer of protection by bridging gaps not fully covered under the national health insurance framework.
He challenged participants to acquaint themselves with various benefit packages, eligibility requirements, referral procedures, pre-authorisation processes and service limits applicable under the scheme to avoid unnecessary frustrations when seeking treatment.
The County Commissioner acknowledged that many public officers were still unaware of how to register dependents, determine their benefit limits or access specialised services, a situation he said underscored the need for continuous public education.
He directed Deputy County Commissioners to coordinate similar sensitisation forums across the Seven sub-counties namely, Bureti, Belgut, Sigowet, Soin,Ainamoi, Kipkelion and Londiani to ensure all government employees receive comprehensive information on available healthcare benefits and procedures.
Ali also called on healthcare facilities to uphold their responsibility of providing clear guidance to patients and addressing concerns relating to consultation fees, authorisation requirements and variations in service delivery among contracted facilities.
While expressing confidence in the reforms, he said SHA had significantly expanded health insurance coverage compared to the former NHIF, increasing the number of beneficiaries nationally and bringing millions more Kenyans into the healthcare protection net.
According to the County Commissioner, many citizens only seek registration after falling ill, a reactive approach that undermines the programme’s objectives. He urged residents to register early and ensure their family members are enrolled before the need for medical services arises.
“As families, the burden of healthcare costs is going down with the advent of SHA. Let us support the programme because it is here to stay and it will continue serving Kenyans,” he said.
The sensitisation exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the national government and SHA officials to enhance understanding of healthcare reforms, with similar forums expected to be rolled out across Kericho County as authorities intensify registration campaigns and public awareness initiatives.
by Dominic Cheres
