By OPCS Press Service
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said Kenyans should not fall into the trap of those opposing the rollout and implementation of the new healthcare scheme, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
He warned that those opposing the new scheme have a hidden agenda to continue crippling the health sector, thus denying Kenyans the benefits of a new universal healthcare plan.
Mudavadi said those advocating for the status quo are focused on enriching a few unscrupulous individuals who have taken advantage of loopholes within the NHIF scheme.
“Kenyans should know that corruption fights back. When those who have been gaining through the loopholes and mismanagement of the previous scheme see changes coming, they have to use all means to fight back the new scheme,” warned Mudavadi.
“The government is not introducing a scheme that will hurt its people, especially when it comes to healthcare—a critical component of societal well-being. We want to get it right this time round,” he added.
The Prime CS urged Kenyans to be patient as the government streamlines the health sector under the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Mudavadi said the implementation of the scheme aims at transforming Kenya’s healthcare landscape with progressive policies designed to bolster the nation’s health system.
“The government is committed to decentralizing healthcare services, extending the network from basic community facilities to advanced medical centres,” he said.
As a cornerstone of President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the SHIF initiative aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to all Kenyans.
Under the scheme, vulnerable populations will gain access to a broad spectrum of benefits, including screening, dialysis, kidney transplants, essential medications, and hospitals equipped with vital medical equipment.
Mudavadi made these remarks when he joined President William Ruto at celebrations to mark 73 years of the African Divine Church (ADC), held at the Nairobi Primary School grounds in Nairobi County.
He also called on Kenyans to support the reforms being undertaken by President Ruto, as they are transformative and aimed at stabilizing the nation.
“Stability, peace, and security are paramount for the growth of a nation. We don’t want Kenya to be a country where even going to church or the mosque is a problem due to insecurity.” he appealed.
“We want to remain as a nation that respects the rule of law and the processes that govern the country. We need to respect the executive, parliament, judiciary, and all institutions set up to govern the country,” he added.
Mudavadi called on the church to remain steadfast as the cornerstone and key driver in fostering peace and unity in the country.
He congratulated the African Divine Church under the leadership of Archbishop John Chabuga on this milestone of service to society.
“We encourage the church to strengthen its partnership with the government to ensure that society remains resilient against vices that threaten our moral fabric,” he urged.
Also present were Governors Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) and Susan Kihika (Nakuru), the leaders of majority in the national assembly and senate Kimani Ichung’wa and Aaron Cheruiyot, Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris, along with a host of Members of Parliament and Members of County Assemblies.
