Clerics demand nullification of SHIF, return to NHIF

Religious leaders from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) have voiced concerns over several controversial government policies and urged President William Ruto to reconsider his decisions.

In a joint statement signed on Wednesday by NCCK Chairperson Elias Agola, Catholic Justice and Peace Department Chairperson Reverend Simon Peter Kamomoe, and Supkem Deputy Chairperson Muhdhar Ahmed, the leaders described the current state of the country as a "man-made disaster," blaming it on recent policy changes.

The leaders particularly condemned the swift transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA), stating that the shift has led to a health crisis.

They criticised the system for forcing Kenyans to pay billions of shillings to brokers, accusing these intermediaries of adding no value to the public's healthcare.

"Why must Kenyans be forced to pay billions of shillings to brokers who add no value to the healthcare of the people?" they questioned in their statement.

They also argued that the benefits Kenyans previously enjoyed under NHIF had been reduced under SHA, even though citizens are now required to pay more.

"The country should revert to NHIF," they demanded.

Their statement comes after President Ruto recently defended the SHA system, asserting that the transformation of the health sector is crucial and inevitable.

The defunct NHIF headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi. (Photo: File)

"It is our intention to make sure that no Kenyan is left behind on matters of health. For the first time, every Kenyan will have health insurance cover," Ruto said.

He added that the Universal Health Coverage programme aims to ensure all Kenyans have access to healthcare without discrimination, despite challenges that have already led to loss of lives.

The religious leaders also criticised the government's new university funding model, which has left many students unable to join university after being misclassified into incorrect financial categories.

They accused the government of failing to adequately explain the shift from the previous funding model.

"The education of Kenyans has been greatly hampered by changes in the university funding model. We demand that the new model be suspended to allow for further consultations and to ensure justice and fairness to all students," reads the statement.

Additionally, the clerics raised concerns over the ongoing impeachment process against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Although they acknowledged the constitutional legitimacy of the move, they expressed unease over President Ruto’s silence on the matter.

"We call upon President Ruto to speak on this matter... This is not only a matter of national interest, but also one concerning the principal assistant of the president, and Kenyans have a right to know the president's position on the matter," they said.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua arrives in Parliament ahead of his impeachment trial at the Senate on October 16, 2024. (Photo: Senate)

The government's deal with Indian conglomerate Adani Holdings was also criticised, with the clerics calling for the cancellation of contracts awarded to companies associated with the firm.

Adani signed a Sh95 billion deal with the government to build and operate Kenya Power lines for 30 years. It will also uplift the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in a 30-year lease deal.

The clerics further urged Parliament to withdraw bills they described as anti-people, including agriculture-related legislation and the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2024, which seeks to extend the term of elected leaders from five to seven years.

"Parliamentarians should serve Kenyans or resign to go and serve their other interests," the clergy said.