Government targets to register 12 million households in new UHC rollout

Nairobi,

Wednesday, 25 September, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

In preparations for the Sucessful implementation of the Universal Healthcare coverage, the government has assigned National Government Administrative Officers, the role to coordinate the registration of about 12 million households for UHC. 

The move is part of the efforts to mitigate cost-related barriers to medical care in the country.

In a meeting held on Wednesday at the Kenya School of Government, Key stakeholders including, NGAOs, Health CS Deborah Mlongo Barasa, CS Kithure Kindiki amongst others discussed the government's plans including legal frameworks for the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) on 1,October,2024. 

Dr. Barasa emphasized the importance of community engagement in helping the public understand the benefits of the Social Health Authority. 

The CS urged stakeholders to assist in registering 60% of households by the launch date, highlighting that UHC is a key priority for the Kenya Kwanza government. 

“I encourage each of you to become ambassadors for the Social Health Authority and UHC to ensure that all Kenyans have access to comprehensive health services without financial hardship,” she stated.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has announced that the administrators will step up sensitisation activities at the grassroots and facilitate the enrolment of more beneficiaries into the programme.

CS Kindiki affirmed that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is one of the five key pillars of the Kenya Kwanza Administration.

According to Kindiki, the National Government Administration structure exists to support all Government operations across the Country. 

"The Executive Order No. 1 of 2023 vests the function of coordinating Government agencies to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration." The CS Noted. 

"National Government Administration Officers (NGAOS) are wired to deliver Government programmes seamlessly and will facilitate the registration of 12M households effectively, efficiently, and at minimal cost." Kindiki added. 

The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretaries Dr. Raymond Omollo and Kimtai Harry (Medical Services); Chairperson, President's Council of Economic Advisors David Ndii, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and senior officials from the NGAOs network.