SHA, SHIF OR TAIFA CARE? WHICH IS WHICH?

Opinion By Ndambari Karen - Student KCAU 

Photo Courtesy: State House Kenya

The recent introduction of the Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) has left many of us scratching our heads. From the very beginning, it seemed like a move driven by a lack of clear direction, causing confusion for both the public and healthcare providers. We were, told SHA would be the solution to Kenya’s health challenges, but here we are, still struggling to understand its role, its benefits, and most importantly, its reliability.

One can't help but wonder: Was SHA really necessary? Even from its name, is it SHA, SHIF, TAIFA CARE or what really is it? A health system that can’t really be referred to by a single name only for everyone to refer to it as they wish? Isn’t that the first place we got it wrong?

Before it came into being, we had the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), which, though not perfect, was functioning and widely accepted by Kenyans. So why rush to dismantle an existing system that had already been working to some extent? SHA’s hurried introduction really has raised suspicions. Is this really about improving public health, or could it be a clever money-making scheme disguised as a noble cause?

The problem isn't just in the structure; it's in the trust deficit. SHA has not gained the confidence of the people since it seems to work for some and not work for others. We were promised better health services, but what we’ve received feels like a half-baked plan that doesn’t even meet the basic expectations! The resistance to SHA from the public is real, and the more we question it, the more its flaws become evident.

At a time when Kenyans need clarity and dependable health coverage, SHA is far from providing that. If NHIF worked to some degree, why the sudden push for something that feels less functional and more like a quick fix? Until SHA provides real answers and addresses its shortcomings, it’s hard to believe it’s anything more than a rushed, unreliable initiative that fails to serve its intended purpose.

It's high time the ministry of health did justice to our health system by fixing the flaws the soonest possible. A healthy nation is a productive nation.

Ndabari Karen is a Journalism Student at KCA University. Email: karenndabari530@gmail.com

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