President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the government’s plan to provide universal healthcare will succeed despite early challenges.
Speaking at Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, he said the Social Health Authority (SHA) will be fully implemented, even though previous governments failed to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
He acknowledged that some problems in the program may take time to resolve due to its size and complexity but maintained that it would work in the long run.
Ruto emphasized that SHA aims to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their financial situation, have access to medical coverage. He pointed out that, in the past, health insurance was only available to those who were formally employed or could afford to pay for it.
His administration, he said, wants to change this by making healthcare accessible to every citizen. Governor Johnson Sakaja, who attended the service along with several MPs, also urged Kenyans to register with SHA, saying it would guarantee quality healthcare for all.
Apart from healthcare, the president spoke about job creation, saying that his government has put in place measures to provide employment opportunities for young people. He highlighted the labour export program, which he claims is expanding opportunities for Kenyans abroad.
He praised the leadership of Jesus Winner Ministry for helping its members secure international jobs and encouraged other religious organizations to do the same.
Ruto urged Kenyans to focus on finding solutions instead of engaging in blame games. He said that if leaders and citizens work together, they can solve the country’s challenges more effectively. He also expressed optimism about Kenya’s economic growth, citing increased agricultural productivity and improved economic stability as signs of progress.
Despite the president’s assurances, the rollout of SHA has faced criticism. Many Kenyans are still unclear on how the program will work, and there are concerns about whether the government has the resources to sustain it.
The transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA has also raised questions, with some fearing that essential services might be disrupted. Additionally, issues such as corruption in the health sector and delays in payments to hospitals could affect the success of the initiative.
On job creation, critics argue that exporting labour is not a long-term solution to unemployment. While overseas opportunities may benefit some individuals, they do not address the bigger issue of job shortages within Kenya. Many young people are struggling to find work locally, and the high cost of living remains a concern.
While Ruto remains confident that SHA and his job creation efforts will bear fruit, Kenyans will be watching closely to see if these promises translate into real improvements in their lives.
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