DP Kindiki assures Kenyans of SHIF success, says challenges will be resolved

Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government's commitment to transform the health sector and address the challenges bedevilling service providers.

Speaking on Wednesday during the First Nairobi Health Scientific Conference, Prof Kindiki acknowledged the disparities in healthcare following the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He cited President William Ruto’s devotion to streamlining healthcare reiterating that the current administration has a vision and would transform SHA beyond critics’ imagination.

“Kenya Kwanza agenda for health is anchored on the national vision and to better this country; therefore, it is not only to reform health institutions but to ensure that the new system reaches out to as many people as possible so that health, nutrition does not become a preserve of a few people in Kenya, it becomes accessible and affordable,” Kindiki stated.

“The president said that SHA and health reforms as challenging as they are, will succeed because they are well-intentioned and anchored on our national vision.”

The DP added, “Those who think that a developing country cannot roll out a successful health reform program that has been impossible to roll out in some developed countries will live to see the success of this program because it will succeed as we have a clear vision; what this means to the people.”

Prof Kindiki emphasised the importance of a good healthcare system for any country insisting that it would ultimately transform the economy of Kenya.

The deputy president thus appealed to all stakeholders in the counties to support the government for the success of the rollout.

He said, “A healthier population means more productive people. Yes, we have a few challenges in the health reforms sector but the new system will work and benefit as many citizens as possible, and ensure that health is not a preserve of a few.”

“We ask all the County Governments to partner with us and make the health of our people a reality.”