Homa Bay: Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has urged Kenyans to register under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure the success of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Omollo emphasized that the only way for all Kenyans to access quality healthcare affordably is through registering with the health insurance fund. He highlighted that families need not strain financially or sell valuable assets to access health services.

According to Kenya News Agency, Omollo made these remarks at Kendu Adventist Hospital in Homa Bay County, where he noted that many vulnerable families are now able to receive medical care through the SHA cover. ‘Kenyans are convinced that SHA is working and the negative noise we had at its early stage is no more. We appeal to all those who have not registered to do so without further delay to access healthcare seamlessly,’ he said. The PS was among the guests who joined the hospital community in celebrating its 100 years of existence.

Omollo was accompanied by several government officials, including Ouma Oluga, PS Medical Services; Mary Muthoni, PS Public Health; Boniface Makokha, PS Economic Planning; and Agriculture PS Kipronoh Rono. He encouraged residents of Homa Bay County to register in large numbers with SHA, noting that the county is currently ranked 13th in SHA registration, with only 44 percent of the population registered.

The PS called on government officials and local leaders to work with Community Health Workers to effectively register residents with SHA. ‘Health is a very important sector that touches everybody. My appeal goes to County officials and other leaders to work effectively with the Community Health Volunteers in registering citizens for SHA,’ Omollo stated.

Oluga mentioned that the government has allocated more than Sh20 billion to fund SHA, aiming to protect Kenyans from incurring hefty medical bills. He pointed out that those not registered with SHA are denying themselves access to healthcare. ‘The government has pumped billions of shillings to support the health sector through SHA. Let’s register so that we can get better medical care,’ Oluga urged.

He also encouraged hospitals contracted by SHA to enhance their services for better patient satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of ensuring patients receive top-notch medical care. ‘The government is supporting universal healthcare and we urge citizens to ensure that they are of good standing with SHA,’ he added.

Local leaders, including Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, Woman Representative Joyce Osogo, Karachuonyo MP Adipo Okuome, and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, also called on residents to back government projects. Magwanga stated, ‘The programmes that the government has rolled out in Homa Bay County are monumental. Let’s support the government to realise its goal of developing all regions.’