Kenyan health workers are calling for the immediate removal of the Social Health Authority (SHA) Chairperson and CEO, citing their leadership as the primary obstacle to the scheme’s success.
Speaking in Meru at the Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) during International White Coat Day celebrations, Peterson Wachira, the National Chair of the Kenya Health Workers Caucus, accused SHA Chair Dr. Abdi Mohamed and CEO Robert Ingasira of failing in their mandate.
Wachira urged Parliament to impeach the two officials if the Ministry of Health is unable to replace them.
The health workers claim that SHA leadership has violated four constitutional provisions:
The union also criticized SHA for disregarding Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent directive to empanel clinical officers under the scheme. Despite the order, the process remains stalled a week later.
Adding to the growing discontent, over 5,000 medical interns have raised concerns over the government’s delay in their postings. Jonathan Oriki, the interns’ representative to the Health Workers Caucus, expressed frustration that despite holding protests in Nairobi, they have yet to receive any response from the authorities.
Many interns say the delays are disrupting their career progression, as medical internships are a crucial academic requirement for further education and certification.
The discontent among health workers comes hot on the heels of defense of the health scheme by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru.
Waiguru has urged Kenyans to ignore political distractions and continue registering for Taifa Care, even as concerns continue to mount over its effectiveness in delivering quality healthcare.
Speaking at an event distributing digital devices, Waiguru praised Taifa Care’s role in revolutionizing healthcare and improving efficiency in service delivery. She also dismissed critics as politicians who “have their own covers yet they are telling you not to register.”
However, a section of the government has acknowledged that the scheme has its flaws.
In February of this year, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also acknowledged the challenges facing SHA, admitting that the government must take urgent action to fix the system.
Speaking at a health summit at his Karen residence, where he met with county and Ministry of Health official.
“We need to do a lot of work. If SHA was working, we wouldn’t have Kenyans complaining,” Kindiki stated.
In response to mounting criticism, the Ministry of Health announced a review of the Means Testing Tool used for SHA contributions.
The revised tool is expected to be unveiled in the coming days. Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa added that new benefit tariffs will be announced on March 1st to address concerns over coverage gaps and high out-of-pocket costs.
A recent study by the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) revealed that SHA’s digital platform is severely flawed. According to the report, 89% of healthcare providers are struggling with:
These issues have worsened in recent months, leaving patients and providers frustrated with the scheme’s inefficiencies.