Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed recent remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua suggesting that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is on the verge of collapse.
Speaking while inspecting market development, road infrastructure, and electricity connectivity in Karurumo, Runyenjes, Embu County, DP Kindiki reassured Kenyans that the SHA remains stable and urged continued registration and contributions to the scheme.
“Only 7 million Kenyans had registered under the defunct NHIF medical cover out of a population of 55 million. As we speak, 30.2 million Kenyans are now under SHA medical cover. We will continue to strengthen and expand SHA, enhancing payable limits so it can cover all types of illnesses. This is the only way to relieve Kenyans from the burden of fundraising for medical expenses or relying on well-wishers,” Prof. Kindiki stated.
The DP described Gachagua as a “prophet of doom” for his claims, emphasizing that SHA will not collapse.
He projected that by December, 45 million Kenyans would be covered, with the number expected to reach 55 million by next June.
Earlier this week, Gachagua raised concerns over the SHA’s financial health, claiming the scheme could face severe operational challenges within six months.
Addressing congregants at ACK Diocese of Kirinyaga in Ndia Constituency on Sunday, March 29, he warned that failure to intervene could trigger a nationwide crisis in healthcare service delivery.
“I have information that SHA will collapse in six months, and we will have a crisis in the health sector,” Gachagua said.
The former DP cited unpaid bills owed by SHA to hospitals, particularly faith‑based and private facilities, as a factor undermining the health system.
Kindiki urged the opposition to be patient and see the transformation this Country is going through.