Senior Advisor at the Council of Economic Advisors in State House Moses Kuria has claimed that President William Ruto will be the next candidate to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Speaking while drumming up support for the Social Health Authority (SHA) in Uasin Gishu County on Tuesday, Kuria alleged that SHA's Taifa Care under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program is so mega that it would earn the president the coveted Peace Prize.
"I have no doubt in my mind that Taifa Care will be number one in the whole world, and by next year, when they are giving out the Nobel Prize, I am sure President Ruto will be given the Nobel because of coming up with this kind of comprehensive program,'' Kuria claimed.
The Economic Advisor defended the health program against criticism, asserting that it is functioning effectively. He further emphasized its success by revealing that Egypt will be visiting Kenya next week to study and benchmark the system.
''Two weeks ago, the Zambian government sent a delegation just to benchmark on SHA, next week, Egypt will be here for the same. While others criticise this initiative, it continues to get traction from international bodies because of how successful it is,'' Kuria continued.
Winning the Nobel Peace Prize requires somebody to showcase a significant contribution to peace, diplomacy, or humanitarian efforts.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee selects eligible candidates based on nominations from qualified individuals who have promoted peace and fought for human and social justice.
The candidates stem from government officials, university professors, and past Nobel winners; the prize is also reserved for people over 50 years.
Previous African leaders who have won the Nobel Peace Prize include Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Wangari Maathai, and Kofi Annan.
According to Kuria, the government is working on increasing the number of registered Kenyans in SHA from the current 20 million to 40 million Kenyans by the end of 2025.
SHA is Kenya Kwanza's government health care system that replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) on October 1. Contrary to the NHIF, SHA has been faced with much rejection, especially from Kenyans, over its mandatory 2.75 per cent contributions and challenges in its efficiency.
Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has promised Kenyans that he would ensure that SHA works and that he would streamline the health sector.
While officially taking over the ministry on Tuesday, Duale assured that the government was committed to timely payments for healthcare providers, the major challenge SHA faces.
''Moving forward, SHA will settle hospital claims by the 14th of every month, ensuring financial stability for healthcare providers," the new health CS promised.
