Kenya Health Officials Seek MPs' Help with Insurance Drive.
Kenya's health leaders asked lawmakers Thursday to help sign up more citizens for the national health plan.
Medical Services Secretary Harry Kimtai and Social Health Authority Chair Abdi Mohamed spoke at a meeting in Naivasha. They urged MPs to promote healthcare registration in their areas.
The Taifa Care program has listed 22 million Kenyans, but only four million have paid their fees. Poor outreach and money problems keep many from joining, Mohamed said.
"We need leaders to take this message to their people," he told the MPs.
Acting SHA head Robert Ingasira said his team works to fix service issues. He thanked MPs who helped boost membership during recent holidays.
The lawmakers pushed back with concerns. They cited poor service, weak communication, and funding gaps in the health system.
Parliament's Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah slammed SHA's public outreach. "Your communication is bad. MPs explain the program on their own because SHA fails to do its job," he said.
MP Eve Obara called the program difficult to promote. She pointed to money troubles and a lack of clear information.
Kimtai defended the plan as a way to help vulnerable groups access healthcare. "This brings fair health services to all," he said.
The officials asked MPs to teach people about paying what they can afford for coverage. They stressed the need for better links between government and citizens.
Kenya's health leaders asked lawmakers Thursday to help sign up more citizens for the national health plan.
Medical Services Secretary Harry Kimtai and Social Health Authority Chair Abdi Mohamed spoke at a meeting in Naivasha. They urged MPs to promote healthcare registration in their areas.
The Taifa Care program has listed 22 million Kenyans, but only four million have paid their fees. Poor outreach and money problems keep many from joining, Mohamed said.
"We need leaders to take this message to their people," he told the MPs.
Acting SHA head Robert Ingasira said his team works to fix service issues. He thanked MPs who helped boost membership during recent holidays.
The lawmakers pushed back with concerns. They cited poor service, weak communication, and funding gaps in the health system.
Parliament's Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah slammed SHA's public outreach. "Your communication is bad. MPs explain the program on their own because SHA fails to do its job," he said.
MP Eve Obara called the program difficult to promote. She pointed to money troubles and a lack of clear information.
Kimtai defended the plan as a way to help vulnerable groups access healthcare. "This brings fair health services to all," he said.
The officials asked MPs to teach people about paying what they can afford for coverage. They stressed the need for better links between government and citizens.
