Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has commended Mombasa County for leading the country in the registration of citizens under the Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
During a visit to the coastal city, Duale revealed that Mombasa has achieved an impressive 60% enrollment rate under the SHA the highest in the nation. He also applauded the county’s efforts in digitising core healthcare services, including patient record management and claims processing.
“I paid a courtesy call to Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and was impressed to find him actively engaging with health workers in a consultative meeting on accelerating UHC through Taifa Care,” Duale said. “Mombasa is setting the pace, not just in enrollment, but in using technology to streamline health service delivery.”
Duale praised Governor Abdulswamad’s leadership, describing it as transformative for healthcare in the region. He was accompanied by the Health Director General, Dr. Patrick Amoth.
Nationally, the push toward UHC continues to gather momentum. According to Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, over 22 million Kenyans had registered under the SHA by May 13.
Speaking during a Social Sector National Development Implementation Committee meeting in Nairobi, Oluga said the SHA system is fully operational and enhancing service delivery nationwide.
“So far, healthcare providers have attended to 1.2 million Kenyans, with processed claims exceeding Sh45 billion,” he said. “The Social Health Authority is revolutionising health financing in Kenya, shielding families from financial hardship due to medical expenses.”
Earlier in April, CS Duale told lawmakers in the National Assembly that while SHA experienced teething problems at launch, the system has since stabilised and is gaining public confidence.
“Challenges are normal in any new initiative, but SHA is now running smoothly, and every day more Kenyans are coming on board,” he assured.
