Senator Onyonka Demands Clarity on SHA Coverage

By Dorothy Yegon

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka had called on the government to addressing growing confusion surrounding the Social Health Authority(SHA) Program.

In a statement shared on his X account on saturday, December 14,2024 onyonka questioned lack of transparency and clarity in the implementation of the program, which is key pillar of president william Rutto's heath care reforms.

"Mr president can we have a problem. Can Kenyans be told exactly what SHA covers and what it doesn't? Do we care?" Onyonka posed in his post.

The senator has been a vocal critic of new health initiative, citing inefficiencies and the challenges kenyans face accessing services under SHA Exclaims portal a system introduced to streamline service delivery but has instead caused disruptions in hospitals across the country.

Health care workers and patients have reported delayed reimbursements, unclear benefit packages and lack of communication from authorities, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

"Health care is a basic right not a privilege yet under SHA we're seeing more questions than answers" said Onyonka during a separate interview.

The senator remarks come amid increasing public outcry over SHA shortcomings.

Many kenyans feel the program has failed to adress core issues such as affordability, accessibility and quality care.

As the debate over SHA continues the call for greater accountability and transparency grows louder, with many citizens waiting to see if the government will heed Onyonka demands and deliver the promised health care improvements.