By Omar Abdallah
Mombasa county is set to roll out mass registration exercise for the Social Health Authority (SHA), insurance.
Addressing members of the press at his office, Mombasa Governor Abduslwamad Nassir said the exercise is set to start next week.
“Next week, we will spearhead the full rollout of the Sustainable Healthcare Agenda (SHA) and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) in Mombasa County We are proud to report that out of 350,000 households, an impressive 240,000 principals have already been recruited, we will not rest until every household in Mombasa is fully covered. To this end, we are working closely with the national government and local stakeholders to ensure comprehensive registration and inclusion of all residents, particularly marginalized groups such as street families, methadone program clients, and those without formal identification” said Nassir.
The Governor who was speaking after a meeting with the Presidential Advisor on Economic Affairs Moses Kuria and all health facility in charges from across the county called on Mombasa residents to support the program.
“As leaders, we must build a system where healthcare is not just a privilege but a guaranteed right for all. Let this serve as a reminder that our County will always prioritize its citizens’ needs over any external pressures or politically motivated narratives. Together, we can deliver a healthcare system that is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.”
Nassir further refuted reports that County Governors compelled to sign medical equipment leasing contracts.
“Let me be free clear on this issue, We as Mombasa county did not sign this contract and no Governor was forced or had a gun placed on his or her head to sign this contract. All those reports out there are false. The issue of the contracts was something that was passed by the Council of Governors summit.” he argued.
On his part Moses Kuria hit out those opposing the health program accusing them of being ‘agents of the devil’.
“Whatever we are going through currently are just teething problems which are expected whenever you introduce something, however things will pick up soon and all will be well. This new system is way much better NHIF, in NHIF there was alot of corruption and those who used to benefit from the corruption are the ones making all the noise now.” said Kuria.
“We have established a support centre in Mombasa where anyone with an issue concerning SHA we will not have to travel to Nairobi, it will just be resolved here. We will be going down to the grassroots to hear the issues that our people have and resolve them, this is the approach that the government is now undertaking. I understand that we have some devils who have been fighting this initiative and some of them are here in Mombasa.”
