Citizen-centric reforms will enhance Kenya's health insurance

In recent years, Civil Society Organizations in Kenya have been instrumental in elevating citizen concerns about the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and advocating for reforms to enhance the nation’s health insurance landscape.

The “Shifting to SHIF, 2024” policy brief, compiled by Twaweza East Africa through its Sauti survey, captures the voices of Kenyans regarding various health insurance issues.

The findings revealed a significant desire for improvements within the NHIF, rather than a push to abolish it in favor of the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

Majority of citizens expressed hope for a more transparent, efficient, and accessible system, particularly for informal workers who often bear the brunt of financial strain.

The recent appointment of Dr. Mercy Mwangangi as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA) presents a promising opportunity for positive change.

Dr. Mwangangi brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, particularly as Chief Administrative Secretary at the Ministry of Health.

Her leadership skills and her confidence as a trusted voice during the COVID-19 period equip her with the insights needed to tackle the pressing issues within our healthcare system.

Her expertise in mobilizing development assistance for primary healthcare and expanding universal health coverage can guide the SHA in fostering collaboration with various stakeholders.

By prioritizing dialogue and actively listening to the voices of citizens and healthcare professionals, she has the potential to lead initiatives that resonate with the needs of the community, ultimately paving the way for a more robust and responsive health insurance system in Kenya.

In light of these proposals that I wish to front, backed by findings from research and previous engagement in proactive dialogues with crucial stakeholders—including the Ministry of Health, the Parliamentary Health Committee, and senior management at the now-defunct NHIF—it is my hope that reforms will align with the needs and aspirations of ordinary Kenyans.

While these efforts have been earnest, the government’s decision to introduce a new health scheme without fully addressing the concerns raised by citizens has sparked uncertainty within the healthcare system.

To foster public discourse, we organized a high-profile launch event that brought together representatives from government agencies, media outlets, civil society, and healthcare professional bodies like the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA).

This event served as a valuable platform for collaborative dialogue regarding the future of health insurance in Kenya. We engaged broader audiences, ensuring discussions about NHIF reform resonated throughout the nation.

Despite these vigorous advocacy efforts, there remains a growing sentiment among citizens—even acknowledged by some parliamentarians—that the current system faces challenges needing urgent attention.

Many hospitals are navigating funding gaps, and patients are encountering delays in accessing treatment.

This highlights the potential benefits of integrating citizen feedback more deeply into policymaking processes to avoid such disruptions in the future.

Looking ahead, a people-centered approach to health insurance is vital for Kenya's healthcare system.

 It is essential to build on the principles of transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, guaranteeing that citizens can access quality services without unnecessary financial burdens.

Engaging the public and stakeholders in meaningful dialogue will be crucial in crafting a health insurance system that genuinely addresses the needs of all Kenyans.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of health insurance, it is crucial that we forge pathways of collaboration that place citizens at the forefront of decision-making.

By learning from past experiences and valuing stakeholder engagement, we can work together to create a health insurance framework that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of all Kenyans.