According to reports by Kenyans.co.ke, the government has announced a temporary disruption to learning in schools across Kenya to allow for the registration of students under the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, known as Taifa Care.
This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing effort to ensure all citizens are enrolled in the national health coverage system, aligning with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
The registration process began in Mombasa on Thursday and will be conducted across the country with the support of Community Health Promoters.
Parents have been instructed to accompany their children to school for registration, a requirement that may necessitate family travel in some cases.
The government aims to include students from all levels of education, whether in public or private schools, in the health coverage program.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, speaking during the program’s launch, underlined the critical role of health in national development.
He stated that the Taifa Care initiative is designed to ensure that no child is left behind when it comes to accessing quality healthcare.
In addition to registration, the program includes data collection for students who lack birth certificates.
This will enable the Ministry of Interior to issue these essential documents, addressing a long-standing challenge for many families.
Last year, the government made it mandatory for all school-going children to register as dependents under the SHA scheme.
This move represents a shift from the previous EduAfya scheme, which only provided health coverage for secondary school students.
By expanding coverage to include learners of all ages and levels, the government hopes to create a more inclusive health system that supports students throughout their educational journey.
President William Ruto has assured the public that registration for the SHA scheme is free of charge.
For families who cannot afford to pay, the government will cover the costs.
This assurance is intended to address concerns about affordability and encourage participation in the program.
However, the rollout has faced some challenges, including logistical issues and concerns from parents about the disruption to learning.
The government’s push for Universal Health Coverage is seen as a step toward improving healthcare access for all citizens.
By targeting students through schools, the SHA scheme aims to reach a critical segment of the population while also ensuring that families engage with the program.
While the temporary disruption to learning may inconvenience some, officials believe the long-term benefits of a healthier student population will outweigh the short-term challenges.
The success of this initiative will depend on effective coordination, public cooperation, and timely resolution of any issues that arise during the registration process.
