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Kitui Central MP, Hon. Makali Mulu, has raised concerns over the government’s decision to transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA). Speaking during an interview, Hon. Mulu questioned whether the move was necessary and whether it effectively addresses the challenges previously faced by NHIF.
“Did we identify the gaps in NHIF? So that we could improve them instead of disbanding it?” he asked, suggesting that reforming NHIF might have been a better alternative than replacing it entirely.
The legislator also cast doubt on the integrity of the new SHA system, asking whether corruption had been truly eliminated or merely transferred from one entity to another. “Is there no corruption in this new SHA system? If there was corruption in NHIF, what is the difference now?” he probed.
His remarks come amid ongoing debates over the effectiveness of SHA, which was introduced as part of the government’s broader healthcare reforms. Proponents argue that the new system is designed to enhance efficiency and accountability, while critics, like Hon. Mulu, fear that it may not necessarily be an improvement if the same systemic issues persist.
With healthcare being a crucial pillar of national development, the concerns raised by the MP highlight the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public health funds. Kenyans will be watching closely to see whether SHA delivers on its promises or falls into the same pitfalls as its predecessor.
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