President Ruto defends SHA, says NHIF was exposed to fraud

The new digital healthcare system will curb fraud that paralysed the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), President William Ruto has said.

President Ruto made the remarks during the funeral of Malava MP Malulu Injendi in Malava, Kakamega County, warning that most of the negative publicity on the Social Health Authority (SHA) comes from those who used loopholes to loot the NHIF, consuming up to 40 per cent of the fund.

He cited misleading information in the media that the digital system running SHA will be paid for by the government, saying it is a fee-for-service facility.

According to Ruto, no amount of propaganda will force the government to go back to NHIF, and thus give crooks another chance to continue stealing public funds.

“They do not want a technology system that works because they want to continue stealing from us. The stealing is over. Move on. We are not going to give free money as was being done under NHIF to hospitals without accountability. We are only going to pay for services rendered,” said President Ruto.

The head of state added that the government will stand firm to ensure quality healthcare is no longer a preserve of the rich, but a right of all citizens and appealed to Kenyans to register in SHA and be part of universal health coverage that promises equitable healthcare for all.

President Ruto cited Kakamega County, saying it was unfortunate that out of 1.8 million people eligible for registration, only 500,000 have registered. He disclosed that the late Injendi's hospital bill was a whopping Ksh.9 million, which was paid by Parliament's insurance cover.

“We want the same for every Kenyan,” he said.

On the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), President Ruto asked the selection panel for the appointment of commissioners to speed up the process, noting that this would help the election of representatives in constituencies and wards, including Malava, that have been vacant.

President Ruto also committed to working with leaders from Kakamega County to speed up the implementation of crucial government projects and programmes, citing the construction of roads, electricity connectivity and agricultural programmes, which he pointed out will transform the region.

Further, Ruto announced that the leasing programme for public sugar companies Nzoia, Chemelil, Muhoroni and Sony is on course, adding that Mumias Sugar Company has been leased and farmers are already reaping the benefits.

“Our goal is to ensure that sugar farming thrives in Western Kenya because it is what will help us increase farmers' incomes and boost the region's economy,” he said.

On his part, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, who was also in attendance, said misinformation of government programmes has also been extended to the Affordable Housing Programme, with claims that the houses do not have title deeds. He said there is a law providing that such units be issued with sectional title deeds.

“That was propaganda meant to derail the Affordable Housing Programme,” he said.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also asked Kenyans not to resist changes spearheaded by SHA to improve healthcare in the country.

“When you buy new shoes, the new pair will be uncomfortable compared to the old pair, and you might think the old shoes are better yet the new ones are the best,” he said.

He noted that a section of Kenyans are quick to say SHA is not working, yet they have not registered.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah said there is a lot of misinformation and disinformation about SHA that has misled many Kenyans.

He urged Kenyans to ignore the misleading information and register for SHA, saying healthcare is personal.

“Do not listen to disinformation and misinformation being perpetuated. Focus on your health because when your health fails, it is an individual and personal matter,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who asked Kenyans not to be misled by false reports about SHA. He pointed out that Ksh.19 billion has been used to pay hospital bills for the less vulnerable since SHA came into force.

“Do not be misled. Register and find out for yourself if it will pay for you or not,” he said.