State admits SHA system challenges as angry patients storm MoH press briefing

The Ministry of Health has admitted to ongoing system challenges related to the onboarding process for dependents under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA).

Director General Patrick Amoth, speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, acknowledged that difficulties persist in capturing dependents' details due to the requirement for birth certificates.

"To address this, SHA has integrated its systems with government databases such as NEMIS, the civil registry, and NHIF records. Parents are encouraged to confirm their dependents' information," said Amoth.

This even as there was drama on Wednesday after angry patients, some with infants, stormed Health CS Deborah Barasa's Afya House media briefing protesting the Social Health Insurance Fund system glitches.

They complained of hundreds of other patients being stranded at KNH despite paying SHIF premiums.

Diana Akoth and Grace Njoki were among those who stormed Afya House to voice their frustrations.

Patients from KNH storm Health CS Deborah Barasa’s media briefing at Afya House protesting the failure of SHA system pic.twitter.com/H4VhbdEiGW

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) January 15, 2025

They claimed they had visited multiple offices, including the SHA office, without receiving clear guidance or help. Despite this, the Ministry remains committed to resolving these issues.

Kenyans have raised several concerns regarding the Social Health Authority (SHA) that need urgent attention. One major issue is the difficulty in registering dependents, with many facing delays due to the requirement of birth certificates.

Despite paying premiums, many individuals are unable to access treatment, with some reporting unhelpful responses when they visit SHA offices for assistance. Additionally, challenges persist in integrating SHA's systems with government databases, which has led to inefficiencies in processing registrations and services.

A significant concern is the high out-of-pocket expenses, as many Kenyans continue to incur extra costs despite being enrolled in the program. There is also widespread dissatisfaction over the premiums, with many feeling that the high fees, including a 2.75% household contribution, do not provide sufficient value in terms of the healthcare services they receive.

This has been compounded by a perceived lack of transparency in the allocation of premiums and the delivery of services. These issues highlight the need for improvements in SHA's systems, better communication, and more affordable, accessible healthcare for all.