Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed deep concerns over the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), highlighting issues of service delivery, unresolved debts inherited from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and unclear communication regarding benefits under the new scheme.
The MPs raised these issues during the ongoing 2025 Mid-Term Retreat, questioning Dr. Abdi Mohammed, Chairperson of the Social Health Authority (SHA), and Health Principal Secretary (PS) Mr. Harry Kimtai on why many Kenyans are struggling to access healthcare despite regular deductions from their salaries.
Dr. Mohammed reported that 18,510,650 Kenyans have been registered in the system, with the highest number of registrations from individuals aged 18 to 35 (4.83 million). In contrast, those aged 55 and above represent the smallest group, at 2.03 million. However, Hon. James Nyikal pointed out that despite the significant number of registrants, many beneficiaries are still unable to access services. “If 18 million people are registered, they should be receiving services, but they are not,” he said.
As of now, 4,009,460 members have fully paid their premiums, representing a total of 3.9 million dependants. Of these, 3.2 million are from the formal sector, while 876,851 come from the informal sector. Hon. Eve Obara expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “People are paying high premiums, yet hospitals are turning away those in need of service. What is the ministry doing about access?”
The debate also revealed regional disparities, with Mombasa leading the country in registration at 514,936 members (43.2% of the population), followed by Kirinyaga, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Embu. Despite the high registration figures, many MPs voiced concerns over delays in accessing benefits, especially in rural and pastoralist communities, where mobile registration services are scarce.
Hon. Phyllis Bartoo questioned the delays in service provision, while Hon. Moses Kirimia raised concerns about the lack of coverage for disadvantaged groups that previously relied on NHIF. "SHA seems to be failing them," he said.
The issue of frustration among beneficiaries took a troubling turn when Hon. Millie Odhiambo demanded an explanation for the reported arrest of an elderly woman who had expressed anger over SHA’s services. "Why was the elderly lady arrested for expressing her frustration? She should not be arrested," Odhiambo argued.
Hon. Bashir Abdullahi also called for swift action to ensure that no community is excluded from the health coverage, specifically nomadic communities that require mobile registration centers to facilitate their access to services. Hon. Robert Gichimo echoed this concern, pointing out that many individuals seeking free medical services at lower-level hospitals were reluctant to fully register for the scheme, signaling a lack of trust in SHA's effectiveness for those with chronic conditions.
In response, PS Kimtai assured MPs that the government was addressing the debts inherited from NHIF and had directed SHA to audit and facilitate prompt payments. He also revealed that a special committee had been set up to standardize oncology benefits for cancer patients. On the issue of nomadic communities, Kimtai said that efforts were underway to enhance mobile registration through Community Health Promoters to ensure that no one is left behind.
As the government works to resolve these issues, MPs continue to press for clarity and transparency, emphasizing that the promise of universal health coverage must be fulfilled for all Kenyans.
