Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has defended the government’s decision to introduce annual contributions to the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted healthcare access for all Kenyans.
Speaking during a public participation forum at Murang’a University of Technology, Muthoni explained that the shift from monthly to annual payments is intended to secure continuous coverage, particularly for non-salaried individuals who may experience income disruptions.
“Paying annually in advance guarantees that beneficiaries continue receiving services, even if they face temporary financial hardship due to illness or loss of income,” she said.
“If someone pays for only a few months and then becomes unable to continue, they may be denied services and end up blaming SHA for not working,” Muthoni added.
The PS emphasized that universal healthcare access can only be realized if every Kenyan makes their required contributions.
“If we all pay our share, no one will be turned away from healthcare services,” she stated.
Muthoni explained that to ease the burden of the lump-sum annual payment that is set at 2.75 percent of the household income, the government is allowing Kenyans to borrow from the Hustler Fund at zero interest.
“Let’s say your annual contribution is Sh7,200 and you can’t afford to pay it all at once. The government has made it possible to borrow the amount interest-free and repay it gradually whether daily, weekly, or monthly,” Muthoni said.
She encouraged the public to embrace the new system, explaining that the Social Health Authority, in collaboration with other institutions, will continue providing premium financing support to facilitate compliance among non-salaried individuals.
Muthoni reiterated that the initiative is designed to ensure no Kenyan is denied quality healthcare due to lack of funds and urged the public to support the programme for the success of universal health coverage.
By Purity Mugo
