Kenyans infiltrate virtual SHA meeting, disrupt training of public health officials

The implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is in complete disarray as members of the public infiltrated virtual training sessions meant for public health officials across the country regarding the registration and use of the new health scheme, leading to the suspension of the training.

The concerned citizens voiced their disapproval of the new scheme, which has come under harsh scrutiny not only due to the controversy surrounding its implementation but also because of the dismal benefits members will receive compared to their contributions for dental, optical, and other treatments.

Kenyans took to various social media platforms to express their disappointment with the registration process, exposing faults they encountered.

Some of the concerns raised online include confusion in adding dependents, with some Kenyans indicating that their dependents' names added days after registration are not the actual dependents.

With the new scheme running into headwinds even before its implementation, the deadline for the start of the rollout draws near, but the status of the implementation remains vague as the Ministry of Health has not disclosed the number of Kenyans who have registered so far while ignoring the faults raised in the system.

A meeting scheduled for Friday, September 27, which was intended to provide an update ahead of the new health system rollout, failed to take place.

The conveners of the meeting, the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Ministry of Health, did not attend, and no explanation was given for the cancellation, raising concerns about whether the rollout has hit a wall.

The confusion has led to a lack of confidence among Kenyans in the new scheme amid a last-minute rush to create awareness at the grassroots level and rally Kenyans to register.