More elderly persons in Chepseon Ward have been enrolled into the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, following a registration drive spearheaded by Kipkelion East Member of Parliament, Joseph Cherorot, through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The exercise targeted residents aged 80 years and above, with officials assisting them to register for the national health insurance programme to enable them to access affordable and quality healthcare services.
Speaking during the registration exercise, Cherorot said the initiative was aimed at ensuring elderly citizens, many of whom face challenges accessing healthcare due to financial constraints and mobility limitations, are fully integrated into the country’s Universal Health Cover programme.
He noted that quality healthcare for senior citizens is an important investment towards building a healthy, productive and compassionate society, adding that no eligible resident should be left behind in accessing essential medical services.
The lawmaker said the registration campaign demonstrates the constituency’s commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society by bringing critical government services closer to the people.
He encouraged families with elderly relatives who are yet to register under SHA to take advantage of similar outreach programmes to ensure they benefit from the health insurance scheme.
The Social Health Authority, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), is the government’s flagship health financing institution established under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.
The Authority is mandated to mobilize resources and facilitate equitable access to quality healthcare services for all Kenyans as part of the country’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
SHA operates through three key funds: the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, which are designed to guarantee access to preventive, promotive, curative and specialized healthcare services.
Across the country, both national and county governments, together with members of Parliament and other stakeholders, have intensified public registration campaigns to ensure more Kenyans are enrolled in SHA and can access healthcare services without suffering financial hardship.
The Chepseon registration exercise is expected to improve healthcare access for elderly residents while reinforcing ongoing government efforts to achieve universal health coverage and enhance the welfare of vulnerable members of society.
By Kipngeno Korir
