Faith Masita
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed claims that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will fail, affirming that the government is strengthening the system to expand coverage and improve efficiency.
Speaking during an inspection tour of development projects in Runyenjes Constituency, Embu County, Kindiki said the government is scaling up enrollment with an ambitious target of achieving near-universal health coverage within the next two years.
“Those are prophets of doom who are wasting their time. SHA will not collapse. It will be much better. We are targeting to enroll 45 million Kenyans by December and all the 55 million Kenyans by June 2027,” he said.
The Deputy President criticized opposition leaders for predicting the failure of the health scheme, accusing them of undermining a programme aimed at benefiting millions of Kenyans.
DP Kindiki argued that skepticism around SHA ignores the shortcomings of the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), which he said covered only about 7 million Kenyans, leaving the majority without medical insurance.
“These people who believe Kenya cannot have universal health coverage should be patient. We pray to God to give them a long life so they can see SHA transforming the health of the people of Kenya in our lifetime,” he stated.
He noted that the new system is already easing the burden of high medical costs, particularly for vulnerable households that previously relied on public fundraising to settle hospital bills.
“We are making it better. We will raise the limits so that it covers all medical costs so as to free our people from harambees to pay hospital bills,” DP declared.
Kindiki acknowledged that SHA is still facing initial operational challenges but assured Kenyans that the government is addressing them to ensure a more reliable and efficient system.
At the same time, the Deputy President used the platform to criticize political opponents, accusing them of attacking government programmes out of frustration.
“Our opponents are frustrated that they did nothing for the people when they were in power. Now they are out of office they are full of anger and regret for doing nothing,” he revealed.
The DP made the remarks while inspecting ongoing development projects in Embu County, including the Karurumo ESP Market and the Kanyuambora–Kamumu–Siakago Road. The road is part of a broader infrastructure programme worth approximately Sh12 billion in the county.
In addition, the government is overseeing the construction of 12 modern markets, alongside other projects costing billions of shillings aimed at boosting local economic activity.
Kindiki emphasized his commitment to public service, saying he would remain focused on delivering results rather than engaging in political distractions.
“I will work hard every day for Kenyans and the people of Embu because leadership is for a period. I don’t want to waste time but focus on service to the people,” he emphasized.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and not be misled by political rhetoric, maintaining that the government’s development agenda is firmly on track.
