Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenyans to avoid being misled by critics of the new healthcare initiative, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
He cautioned that this opposition is driven by a concealed agenda aimed at undermining the health sector, ultimately denying citizens the advantages of a comprehensive universal healthcare program.
Mudavadi emphasized that those defending the current system are primarily interested in benefiting a select group of unscrupulous individuals who exploit the shortcomings of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“Kenyans must understand that corruption will retaliate. Those who have thrived on the gaps and mismanagement of the past system will inevitably resist any incoming reforms,” cautioned Mudavadi.
“The government is not implementing a program that would negatively impact its citizens, particularly concerning healthcare, which is vital for our society’s welfare. We are determined to get it right this time,” he emphasized.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary encouraged Kenyans to exercise patience as the government makes improvements to the health sector with the introduction of the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Mudavadi highlighted that this initiative is designed to fundamentally reshape Kenya’s healthcare system through progressive policies that strengthen the national health infrastructure.
“The government is dedicated to decentralizing healthcare services, expanding access from basic community facilities to advanced medical centers,” he stated.
As a key element of President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the SHIF initiative aims to ensure comprehensive health coverage for all Kenyans. This program will provide vulnerable groups with a wide range of benefits, including screenings, dialysis, kidney transplants, essential medications, and access to well-equipped hospitals.
Mudavadi made these remarks while joining President William Ruto at the 73rd anniversary celebration of the African Divine Church (ADC), held at Nairobi Primary School grounds in Nairobi County. He also urged Kenyans to back the reforms initiated by President Ruto, emphasizing that they are transformative and designed to stabilize the nation.
“Stability, peace, and security are essential for a nation’s development. We cannot allow Kenya to become a place where even attending church or mosque poses a threat due to insecurity,” he implored.
“We aspire to be a nation that honors the rule of law and adheres to the processes that guide our governance. It is crucial to uphold the integrity of the executive branch, parliament, judiciary, and all institutions that serve our country,” he continued.
Mudavadi urged the church to remain a steadfast foundation and a vital force in promoting peace and unity within the nation. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the African Divine Church under the leadership of Archbishop John Chabuga, celebrating their dedication to the community.
“We encourage the church to enhance its collaboration with the government to foster societal resilience against challenges that threaten our moral values,” he urged.
Attendees included Governors Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) and Susan Kihika (Nakuru), as well as the leaders of the majority in both the national assembly and senate, Kimani Ichung’wa and Aaron Cheruiyot, alongside Nairobi Women’s Representative Esther Passaris and several other Members of Parliament and County Assemblies.
