President William Ruto has urged Kenyans who have not yet registered for the Social Health Authority (SHA) to do so without delay.
Speaking during the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme event in Nakuru County on Monday, the President questioned the reluctance of some citizens to register.
“Those who have not registered for SHA, are you waiting for Jesus to return, or who exactly are you waiting for?” President Ruto asked.
He said registration is crucial as it enables the government to plan and distribute health resources effectively
“The government wants to know how many people are registered at each health centre so that we can plan for the quantity of drugs needed, the medical equipment required, and the number of health workers to deploy,” he explained.
The President commended residents of Nakuru County for leading by example, noting that about 950,000 people—nearly one million—have already registered under the new health scheme.
He said this reflects growing public awareness and acceptance of the Social Health Authority.
Ruto reminded the public that SHA registration is free for all Kenyans and encouraged those yet to enrol to do so immediately.
The Social Health Authority replaces the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and is part of the government’s plan to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which seeks to ensure that every Kenyan has access to affordable healthcare.
He added that outpatient services for common illnesses such as malaria, flu, and diarrhoea are now provided free of charge under the SHA programme, including in private and mission hospitals.
“Outpatient services for conditions like malaria, flu, and diarrhoea are now free even in private and mission hospitals. Nobody should be denied treatment or asked to pay,” he said.
The President also warned health workers and hospital administrators against charging patients for services covered by SHA, urging Kenyans to report such cases to the police or relevant authorities.
“I have said before, and I repeat: if anyone asks you to pay for treatment that should be free, report them to the police,” he stated.
Ruto said the Social Health Authority is a key part of his administration’s health reforms aimed at ensuring quality and accessible healthcare for all citizens.
He added that a healthy population is essential for Kenya’s development and prosperity.
