Governors want Treasury to comply with SHA funds agreement

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa in Lugari Constituency, where he accused his predecessor and CS Wycliffe Oparanya of dividing people by engaging in active politics. [Benard Lusigi,Standard] The Council of Governors (CoG) has urged National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to comply with the resolution they passed with President William Ruto to release all the expenses related to wages and deductions by the 3rd of every month, effective January 2026, for implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover. Speaking in Matungu Constituency, the CoG chairperson for Finance and Economic Planning, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, said the executive should release funds on time for full implementation of SHA to ensure all Kenyans have access to quality and affordable health care services. "We agreed with the President that for the purpose of ensuring we comply with the payment of the 9th of every month to SHA, the National Treasury will be releasing all the expenses related to wages and deductions, including all the statutory deductions, by the 3rd of every month, effective January 2026," he said. Barasa said the move will cushion counties against the burden of struggling to pay SHA contributions as required monthly to avoid payment delays and ensure smooth service delivery. "I want to call upon CS for Treasury John Mbadi to ensure there is full implementation of the resolution so that we can support our institutions, our counties and implementation of SHA for our people to get all the required health services," said Barasa. He also said that one of the resolutions was to see that dispensaries offer maternity services. "A review of the Primary Health Care Act, 2024, was concluded last week, paving the way for dispensaries to provide maternity services under the SHA. This move will go a long way in strengthening the implementation of the Primary Health Care Act, 2024, while ensuring that residents can access essential health services more easily and closer to their homes,"he said. The governor also urged members of the public to continue registering for SHA to fully benefit from the expanded health services. During the 12th National Government and County Governments Coordinating Summit last week, President Ruto stated that the measure was designed to protect workers from the ongoing cycle of delayed salaries. Ruto directed the Controller of Budget to fast-track approvals to ensure counties received their funds without bureaucratic slowdowns. He also emphasised that county governments were required to pay all statutory deductions by the ninth day of every month. "Subsequently, the county governments shall ensure that all statutory deductions are paid out by the ninth day of every month," said Ruto. However, Barasa added that counties are working with the national government to improve health care across the country and make universal health coverage a reality, noting the partnership towards completion of Kakamega Level Six Hospital. "We have partnered with the national government to complete the stalled level six hospital, and once completed, it will improve the standards of the health care services in the region," said Barasa. He added: "The facility is going to employ at least 3,000 people, and I am going to collaborate with medical training institutions to ensure we absorb some of the medical students once the hospital is completed next August."

Governors want Treasury to comply with SHA funds agreement

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