Nakhumicha assures of new medical scheme roll out

Health CS Susan Nakhumicha. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has assured Kenyans that the Social Health Fund (SHA) would be implemented as soon as the Court of Appeal lifts a ban on the programme.

Nakhumicha was speaking at the funeral service for the late Gladys Wanjiku, the sister to Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, in Kirinyaga County over the weekend.

She said when the court lifts the orders on social health programs, she will only need two weeks to implement SHF.

Political leaders allied to Kenya Kwanza slammed the opposition for using the courts to block the new health scheme.

Chuka Igamba Ngombe MP Patrick Munene said the president had very good intentions for Kenyans, but the opposition wants Kenyans who cannot afford to pay for the insurance to continue to suffer.

Munene noted that Parliament passed the law to make sure that contributors pay at least Sh300 instead of Sh500, but due to the court order, the contribution stands at Sh500.

"The opposition and judicial officers who have comprehensive health insurance courtesy of taxpayers' money are frustrating the efforts President Ruto has, to make sure all Kenyans get affordable medical services for emergency care or chronic illnesses," he said.

He claimed that the opposition was manipulating the opposition.

"We want an independent Judiciary that is not manipulated by the opposition, " Munene said.

Kenya Revenue Authority Chairman Anthony Mwaura assured that taxes paid by Kenyans are not misappropriated.

"I promise you that your money that is taxed is never misappropriated, it is being used to pay the debt," said Mwaura.

Other MPs who attended the funeral were Eric Wamumbi(Mathira, Nyeri), Rahab Nyokabi(Nyeri), Mary Maingi(Mwea), Joe Nyutu(Senator Murang'a), Gachoki Gitari(Kirinyaga Central) among other leaders.