Governor Wanga Defends SHA Implementation, Castigates NHIF
Gladys Wanga, the governor of Homa Bay, now advises that the country should not return to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Wanga believes that much emphasis should be placed on improving the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA).
Wanga stated that there are just a few gaps in SHA that need to be addressed and that Kenya will have the best Universal Health Care system for the first time.
She stated that the only two things that require attention under SHA are reimbursement and frequent service failures.
The Governor emphasized that individuals who want to revert to the NHIF system do not comprehend how the SHA has expanded access to many Kenyans.
“People just say bring back NHIF, but remember when we had it, only 6% of Homa Bay people were able to access treatment, now we have 40%,” the Governor stated.
Governor Gladys Wanga: Let's not bring back NHIF. Let's fix the gaps in SHA. #FixingTheNationNTV @OfficialJMbugua @EricLatiff @MariamBishar @NationFmKE pic.twitter.com/vdZAf9yfXW
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) March 3, 2025
“There were a lot of shenanigans at the back, and we had an enquiry in parliament about the number of fictitious claims that were being laid out.
“If you asked me, should we bring back NHIF, I’d say no. Should we fix the gaps in SHA, which would lead to reimbursement in time and system downtime? I’d say a big yes,” Wanga added.
“Let us fix places where there are problems. SHA is now reimbursing every two weeks, it’s only that the old debts are not being serviced in good time.”
The Governor pointed out that new systems always have flaws that must be addressed before they can be considered complete.
“Any new system will have gaps, fix them and communicate it and we will have the most revolutionary system we’ve ever looked for as a country.”
Wanga’s comments come a day after President William Ruto reassured Kenyans that SHA will function.
During a church service at Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Ruto stated that it may take some time to perfect but promised Kenyans that it will work.
He stated that previous administrations tried but failed to execute the Universal Health Care program.
He maintained that the programme will be successful this time.
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“SHA is the biggest programme we have in the Republic of Kenya. Maybe it will take time to be perfect, but believe you me, it is going to work,” Ruto said.
“We have tried, we tried as Jubilee but failed, but this time around, we will succeed.”
He stated that the health insurance program aims to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of financial status, receives medical coverage.
Previously, he added, SHA was only available to people who were employed or had the resources to pay.
Governor Wanga Defends SHA Implementation, Castigates NHIF
