Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) has become a symbol of inefficiency and frustration for many Kenyans, with numerous complaints highlighting how poorly it serves its contributors.
One particularly troubling case is that of Chepchumba Val, a dedicated contributor to the TaifaCare program and activist.
Despite paying over Ksh 10,000 monthly, Val’s benefits were denied when she needed them the most.
Admitted to Aga Khan Hospital, she was informed that she was ineligible to use SHA.
After a frustrating back-and-forth process involving physical proof of her remittances, her eligibility was only activated on the third day of her admission.
Even then, SHA refused to cover the costs for her first two days, leaving her with a staggering bill of Ksh 587,000, of which only Ksh 17,000 was paid by the fund.
This level of neglect has become all too common under the mismanagement of SHA.
Reports from across the country reveal similar patterns of inefficiency.
A survey by the Caucus of Patient-Led Organizations of Non-Communicable Diseases exposed numerous issues with SHA’s implementation.
Patients in Nairobi, Kiambu, Meru, and Bomet counties reported excessive wait times, technical failures, and limited access to specialized care.
Shockingly, private and mission hospitals have also faced challenges in securing reimbursements from SHA, leaving them reluctant to admit patients covered by the fund.
This paints a grim picture of a health system that was supposed to ensure universal access but instead burdens contributors with more costs.
The mismanagement of SHA cannot be separated from the actions of key figures overseeing the program.
Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai has come under fire for overseeing an expensive and chaotic rollout.
The program’s budget has ballooned to Ksh 104 billion, raising questions about the procurement processes and the involvement of newly-formed entities in handling key operations.
Despite such a colossal budget, the fund has consistently failed to deliver on its promises.
The lack of accountability and transparency has left many wondering if SHA’s leadership prioritizes political gains over the health of ordinary Kenyans.
SHA’s Chief Executive Officer has also been a central figure in this debacle.
Instead of focusing on addressing contributors’ needs, the leadership appears to have concentrated on public relations, painting a misleading picture of success.
Bloggers and social media influencers have been accused of being paid to promote a false narrative, creating the illusion of a functioning health system.
Meanwhile, contributors like Val are left with crushing medical bills and unanswered questions.
The growing frustration led public sector unions to issue a strike notice last year.
Their demands included better health coverage for public servants and an explanation for the increased monthly contributions that do not match the benefits.
Although the strike was called off after an agreement with the government, the core issues remain unresolved. If urgent reforms are not made, Kenya risks a complete collapse of trust in the SHA system.
The experiences of contributors like Chepchumba Val are a stark reminder of the broken promises of SHA.
The Health Ministry and SHA leadership must be held accountable for the rampant mismanagement, waste, and inefficiency.
Without meaningful changes, the program will remain a source of suffering for Kenyans who entrusted it with their health and finances.
