County injects Sh80m into NHIF programme

**Murang’a Governor Irungu Kanga’ta during the launch of the Kang’ata Care** **programme that has enrolled 21,000 households on January 2, 2023.** [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

Murang’a County Government will spend more than Sh240 million to support poor families access improved health care through the Kang’ata Care/NHIF programme.

In the first phase of 2022/2023, the County Assembly allocated Sh160 million to support 20,000 households with a projected population of 100,000.

In the past three days, the county government has validated the details of those to be supported by the health care programme following an additional Sh80 million by the assembly.

During the last Devolution Conference, the county government was awarded implementing the Kang’ata Care, which gives families of a deceased member Sh100,000 to help in burial preparations.

Deputy Government Stephen Munania said the project is designed to support the less privileged to ensure they access treatment when they fall sick.

“This unique programme has helped persons with terminal diseases, the elderly, disabled persons, orphaned children after a study revealed many were suffering due to lack of money to seek treatment in public and private facilities,” said Munania.

Health CEC Fredrick Mbugua said registration of persons interested in the programme is conducted in polling centres.

“Details are being sought before one is listed in the Kang’ata Care/NHIF programme,” said Dr Mbugua.

Jane Nyambura, a resident of Kimorori ward, said she hopes the programme would cater for her after she was involved in a road accident ten years ago.

“I need to be part of the Kang’ata Care programme as my children are not well off,” said Nyambura in her 60s.

James Mwaura, a resident of Kangari, said all those aged 70 and above should be listed in the health care programme.

“Majority of the elderly in tea growing areas frequently visit health facilities due to extreme cold and would benefit greatly from the programme,” said Mwaura.