Members of the National Assembly have raised serious concerns over the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The MPs cited service delivery challenges, unresolved debts inherited from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and unclear communication on benefits under the new scheme.
During the ongoing 2025 Mid Term Retrea, the legislatorsquestioned Social Health Authority Chairperson, Dr. Abdi Mohammed and Health PS, Harry Kimtai on why Kenyans were struggling to access healthcare despite deductions from their salaries.
According to Dr. Mohamed, 18,510,650 Kenyans have so far been registered on the system, with those aged between 18 and 35 recording the highest registration representing 4.83 million of the total population, while those aged above 55 represent the lowest registration at 2.03 million.
Issues raised by MPs on SHA
However, MP James Nyikal noted that despite the high registration numbers, beneficiaries are struggling to access services.
“If 18 million people are registered, they should be receiving services, but they are not,” Nyikal said.
Further, 4,009,460 members have paid up for the scheme, representing 3.9 million total dependants; 3.2 million from the formal sector; and 876,851 from the informal sector.
“People are paying high premiums, yet hospitals are turning away those in need of service. What is the ministry doing about access?” asked Eve Obara. “My constituents are asking questions. We were promised universal health coverage, but what we have now is confusion.”
Top 5 counties in SHA registration
Members also heard that the top 5 Counties by registration are Mombasa at 514,936 (43.2%); Kirinyaga at 176,273 (28.9%); Bomet at 240,641 (27.5%); Elgeyo Marakwet at 123,352 (27.1%) and Embu at 161,640 (26.6%).
Moiben MP Phyllis Bartoo questioned the delays in accessing benefits, while MP Moses Kirimia raised concerns that disadvantaged groups who relied on the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) are not fully covered under SHA.
But Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai assured MPs that the government was working to resolve outstanding debts inherited from NHIF and had directed SHA to audit and facilitate payment.
“We have given clear directives to SHA to confirm and settle outstanding debts promptly,” Kimutai stated.
He also noted that a special committee had been formed to standardize oncology benefits for cancer patients.
On cancer care, PS Kimtai disclosed that a committee has been formed to standardize oncology benefits, while efforts are underway to improve mobile registration for nomadic communities through Community Health Promoters.
