Government Launches Social Health Authority and Boosts Foreign Relations and Blue Economy

By Jane

On September 25, 2024, Government Spokesperson, Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura, addressed the nation at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), unveiling several major initiatives that aim to transform healthcare access, strengthen international relations, and boost the blue economy.

Social Health Authority: A New Dawn for Universal Health Coverage

The government has launched the Social Health Authority (SHA) as part of its Bottom-Up Economic Transformational Agenda (BETA Plan) to ensure universal health coverage for all Kenyans. SHA addresses the shortcomings of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which relied heavily on contributions from employed individuals, leaving many without sufficient healthcare financing.

SHA is structured around four key pillars: sustainable health financing, a robust supply of healthcare products and technologies, an adequate healthcare workforce, and comprehensive health information systems. New legal frameworks, including the Primary Healthcare Act and the Social Health Insurance Act, have been introduced to facilitate this transition. The SHA will finance primary, chronic, and emergency health services through a combination of public funding and individual contributions.

Dr. Mwaura emphasized the benefits of SHA over the NHIF, noting that citizens will now access essential healthcare services such as consultations, diagnostics, and treatments at Levels 2, 3, and select Level 4 facilities. Special coverage for chronic illnesses, including cancer and organ transplants, as well as expanded maternal and child healthcare services under the Linda Mama package, are also key features.

"The SHA will provide equitable healthcare, allowing every Kenyan to access quality treatment without financial strain," Mwaura said, urging Kenyans to register for the new program.

Strengthening Foreign Relations: Partnerships with Germany and China

In line with the government's commitment to bolstering Kenya's global standing, recent foreign engagements have resulted in key partnerships. During a visit to Germany earlier in September, President William Ruto signed a Labour Mobility Partnership Agreement, which will open doors for Kenyans to seek employment, vocational training, and student exchanges in Germany. The agreement also addresses ethical recruitment and efforts to combat irregular migration.

Additionally, Kenya has officially joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), granting the country access to concessional funding for infrastructure, climate change projects, and technological advancements. President Ruto secured infrastructure development deals with China, focusing on expanding the Standard Gauge Railway, upgrading TVET colleges, and improving rural road infrastructure with a Ksh 34 billion investment.

Blue Economy Investment: Supporting Kenya’s Coastal and Lake Communities

The blue economy remains a critical sector for Kenya’s growth, contributing Ksh 178.8 billion annually. The government has intensified efforts to develop fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure along the Kenyan coast and Lake Victoria. New and upgraded fish landing sites in regions like Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu aim to support local fishing communities.

In addition, 1,200 smallholder aquaculture farmers have benefited from a new aquaculture program designed to boost income and food security. Grants totaling Ksh 3.2 billion have also been distributed to 1,263 Common Interest Groups to support fishing activities and coral reef restoration.

To combat illegal fishing, the government has enhanced its surveillance capacity, distributing 123 fishing boats to coastal and lake regions and planning the procurement of additional deep-sea boats.

Through these bold initiatives, the government is aiming to solidify Kenya's economic resilience, ensure universal health coverage, and foster stronger international partnerships.

Kenya itasimama, Kenya itainuka, Kenya itanawiri, kwa Umoja na Uzalendo.