The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Garissa branch has refuted claims that some of their religious leaders in the county have been opposing the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) over allegations that it accumulates interest.
The branch Chairperson Sheikh Hassan Abdi said that none of their religious leaders have condemned SHA and that the Islamic scholars have emphasised that public schemes that prevent harm and serve societal needs fall under the concept of Maslaha.
Abdi said that SHA is permissible in Islam because it is managed by the State and not profit-driven, with the sole aim of protecting lives, which is a core principle of their faith.
“SHA is a health intervention and Islam welcomes any intervention that helps the community. Islam promotes and protects human life. Social or cooperative insurance schemes like the SHA are generally viewed as halal,” Sheikh Abdi said.
Earlier in the week, Garissa county commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo had warned the religious leaders against opposing SHA.
Garissa is one of the counties facing low registration, with only 167,900 persons so far registered with the health cover.
By Erick Kyalo
