MP Lesuuda launches SHA mobilisation drive to lift Samburu in health access ranking

Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda launched an aggressive SHA registration mobilisation campaign across Samburu West, aiming to reverse the county’s dismal performance in universal health coverage registration.

The initiative, which will culminate in a major rally at Maralal Kenyatta Stadium on June 6, 2025, seeks to drastically increase enrolment in the new TaifaCare programme under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Currently, Samburu ranks last—47th out of 47 counties—with only 14% of its residents registered for SHA.

“I have reviewed the latest SHA data, and it is deeply concerning that Samburu is at the bottom nationally,” said Lesuuda. “Our people are missing out on critical health benefits, and our hospitals are being denied funding essential for their growth and survival.”

SHA registration is central to President William Ruto’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan, which replaces the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Under the new model, registered Kenyans access subsidised healthcare, while health facilities receive reimbursement for services rendered.

Without registration, however, Samburu’s hospitals—especially Level 2 and 3 facilities—cannot claim reimbursements, regardless of the urgency of care provided.

“This is about dignity, access, and equity,” Lesuuda stressed. “When more of our people are registered, our health facilities will finally have the resources to improve services and save lives.”

The MP’s grassroots campaign will feature SHA officers stationed across Samburu West to educate residents and register them on the spot. Lesuuda has urged locals to seize the opportunity.

“Samburu County lazima tuchangamke! We must act. We cannot continue to lag behind while other counties move forward,” she said. “This programme can transform lives—but only if we embrace it.”

Lesuuda’s campaign is part of a broader national effort to scale up healthcare access. During the recent 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, President Ruto launched the “Lipa SHA Pole Pole” initiative—a flexible instalment-based payment system aimed at making healthcare affordable for informal sector workers.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale praised the initiative as a key milestone in achieving UHC:

“The Ministry is fully committed to working with all partners to make this vision a reality,” he said.

At the same time, the government is phasing out the controversial Managed Equipment Services (MES) model in favour of the National Equipment Supply Programme (NESP), which allows counties to procure medical equipment tailored to their local needs.

But for Lesuuda, the immediate focus remains clear: drive up SHA registration and give Samburu’s health system a fighting chance.

“I am fully committed to leading by example—not just with words, but with action,” she said. “Let’s come together and secure a healthier, more empowered future for Samburu West.”

Whether Samburu can rise from last to first remains to be seen—but Lesuuda has thrown down the gauntlet, and the race has begun.