
The provision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) received a boost following
the State rollout of Social Health Authority (SHA) registration in Migori.
The launch came amid 442,641 of the county’s
residents having registered for the SHA, while 160,062 of them have undergone
means testing.
SHA registration is done under the initiative of
Digital Health Transformation. Migori has a population of about 1,116,436
people.
The county has also recorded over 289,000
hospital visits, and Sh1.9 billion worth of claims have been approved for the
beneficiaries as the government strives to digitise all health services under a
national framework.
Besides Migori, the Ministry of Health has
launched the Comprehensive Integrated Health Information System in 23 other
counties, which includes the digitisation of patient-level digital records,
interoperable facility data, and real-time visibility of service delivery.
This digital backbone also includes track and
trace technology for medicines to eliminate diversion and counterfeit drugs.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma
Oluga said more than 750 devices will be distributed to health workers in
Migori to support the digitisation of health insurance claims, including claim
submission.
These devices, preloaded with Taifa Care
applications, will facilitate real-time access to all patient data, improve
service delivery, and ensure seamless data flow across the health system.
Migori is home to 321 health facilities: 165
public, 132 private, 18 faith-based, and 5 operated by NGOs.
Out of these, 263 facilities are contracted by
SHA and provide SHA services online.
Ouma said the rollout builds on recent milestones made in the country, where similar digitisation is ongoing, spearheaded by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale.
“SHA digital health rollout is a clear
indication that Migori people have chosen health and dignity. They have also
chosen Taifa Care,” Oluga said.
Speaking at the Migori County Referral
Hospital on Friday, the PS emphasized the inclusive nature of UHC and the
importance of tools like the Lipa SHA Pole Pole model, which allows individuals
to make flexible contributions at their own pace — daily, weekly, or monthly —
using platforms like *147# or *254#.
“The government is committed to equip every
county with the tools, systems, and training needed to make healthcare
accessible, reliable, and dignified. SHA is not just a policy, it is
protection, it is action,” he said.
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko hailed the
launch as a leap forward in healthcare equity.
He argued that SHA will ensure more Migori
residents access quality and affordable healthcare without worrying about their
financial capability.
“The initiative is a transformative milestone
for the county. I urge our people to turn up and register with SHA to
effectively access health services,” Ayacko said.
SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi
said the rollout is a major milestone and achievement for the people of Migori.
“Migori has demonstrated what trust and
transformation look like with over 442,000 people registered, over 160,000
means-tested, and hundreds of thousands receiving care. SHA is delivering,”
Mwangangi said.
She underscored SHA’s commitment to
eliminating the financial barriers that have long stood between Kenyans and
quality healthcare.
“Lipa SHA Pole Pole is not a loan. There is no
interest or any transaction cost. It is your contribution at your pace, and it
guarantees your access to care.”
Digital Health Agency Acting CEO Anthony
Lenaiyara highlighted the power of digital innovation in healthcare delivery.
“This
rollout shows how technology can simplify care delivery, reduce referral
delays, give patients control of their health, and make health data actionable
in real time. With over 750 tablets and hundreds of desktops distributed today,
we are not waiting for the future of healthcare — we are living it,” Lenaiyara
said.