The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has called for the removal of the Social Health Authority (SHA) Chairperson Abdi Mohamed and CEO Robert Ingasira, whom they blame for hindering the effective implementation of SHA.
Speaking in Meru on Saturday, March 22, KUCO Chairperson Peterson Wachira said that the two officials have played a key role in implementing unfavourable policies in the new health system that have limited Universal Health Coverage and parliament should take action.
According to Wachira, the policies have limited medical workers and health facilities in the country to provide quality health services.
"We have identified the problem with SHA, and the problem is the people who are heading, especially the chair and the CEO and we continue to call on parliament that if the CS cannot replace these people, the parliament should remove them from those offices," he said.
"For almost one year, we have had a law that guides well, but the people who have been given the mandate to implement UHC through SHA are making policies that are denying Kenyans the very access that UHC is supposed to guarantee," he said.
SHA, which is one of President William Ruto's signature projects after assuming office in 2022, has faced backlash from both leaders and the public, who argue that it has not lived up to its promise.
Wachira's sentiments come a day after Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru defended the government’s Taifa Care and SHA, urging Kenyans to ignore politicians trying to block the rollout.
Speaking during the launch of the digital healthcare devices,in Kirinyaga on Thursday, March 20, Waiguru stressed that Kenyans should not be misled by politicians since they have their health insurance.
"Some people are going on the media saying Taifa Care is not working. I have not responded yet because this is the time to work hard and deliver on our promises," Waiguru said.
"Do not listen to politicians; they have their health insurance, yet they are telling you not to register. Luckily, our people are registering in large numbers, and I know we are not second in the country but number one," Waiguru stated.
Waiguru explained that the new health system is improving service delivery by making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Earlier this week, the senior advisor to Kenya's Council of Economic Advisors, Moses Kuria, said that Kenyans who have already registered to SHA should report any health facility charging them for services, stressing that health facilities across the country should embrace SHA.
