The Social Health Authority (SHA) and Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa are facing intense criticism for their unwavering insistence that the SHA system is working, despite mounting evidence to the contrary.
While Barasa continues to tout the program as a success, real-world experiences paint a starkly different picture, with contributors suffering under operational failures and unfair policies.
Ministry of Health CS Deborah Mulongo. Photo: Citizen Digital Source: Facebook
A growing number of Kenyans are voicing concerns about the fund’s inefficiencies, which they say are leaving them financially stranded despite religiously contributing to TaifaCare, the SHA’s flagship health insurance program.
Critics accuse the SHA of prioritizing public relations over solving core issues, with some alleging that paid bloggers are being used to mask the fund’s shortcomings.
The latest damning account comes from a patient who revealed their frustrating ordeal after being admitted to Aga Khan Hospital last week.
Despite their employer consistently remitting over Ksh 10,000 monthly to the fund, their first attempt to utilize SHA benefits was declined, with the system claiming they were ineligible.
“After being forced to visit SHA offices with physical proof of my contributions, they activated my eligibility on the third day of admission but refused to backdate coverage,” the patient said.
“I had to cover the first two days of the bill myself, even though I’m an active contributor.”
Upon discharge, the patient was left with a Ksh 587,000 bill, of which SHA covered a paltry Ksh 17,000.
“Meanwhile, those who’ve never contributed are reaping benefits. How is this fair?” the patient lamented.
Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa Mulongo during a past media presser. Photo: GNTC Africa Source: Facebook
The incident has amplified calls for reforms within SHA, with many demanding that politics be kept out of the fund’s management. “It’s time for professionalism and efficiency to take precedence. Kenyans are suffering, and the current system is broken,” the patient concluded.
