Many Kenyans have been left wondering whether the recent changes in the country’s public health insurance system are truly helping them, and these concerns grew louder after Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi shared his thoughts on the matter.
He believes the newly introduced Social Health Authority is not giving citizens the same level of support that the previous National Hospital Insurance Fund provided.
His remarks have stirred debate across the country, especially among families who depend heavily on public insurance to meet their medical needs.In his view, the shift from NHIF to SHA has created more challenges than solutions.
He explained that people who were used to getting certain services fully covered are now being asked to pay out of pocket.
This change has caught many by surprise, since most citizens were not prepared for extra charges during medical visits.
The new system appears to have excluded or limited several services that NHIF used to handle, leaving patients confused and frustrated.
For many ordinary Kenyans, every shilling counts, and any increase in medical costs affects their ability to access healthcare.Kibagendi also raised the issue of communication, saying the government moved too fast with the transition.
According to him, Kenyans were not given enough time or information to understand how SHA works or what kind of benefits they should expect.
This sudden change has caused worry among people who rely on insurance to manage long term illnesses or recurring treatments. Without clear guidance, they fear being turned away or forced to pay amounts they cannot afford.
He warned that the current situation could push countless families into financial trouble if nothing changes soon.
Medical expenses can rise quickly, and even a single hospital visit can strain a family’s budget. Kibagendi urged the Ministry of Health to explain the new system more clearly so that people know what they are signing up for. He added that transparency would help restore public trust and reduce misunderstandings at hospitals and clinics.
The MP also encouraged the government to review the benefits provided under SHA. In his view, healthcare reforms should make life better for everyone, especially the poor, who are the most vulnerable when medical costs rise.
Changing the system should not add pressure to citizens but instead give them confidence that they can seek treatment without worrying about money.
SHA was introduced as part of the wider plan by President William Ruto’s administration to achieve universal health coverage.
The idea behind it was to ensure every Kenyan could receive healthcare without facing financial hardship. However, Kibagendi’s concerns have led many to question whether the new plan is fulfilling that promise.
Kenyans are hoping for improvements that will make the system easier to understand and more supportive of their medical needs.
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