Tharaka Nithi County has announced that residents can now access free healthcare services at all primary care facilities, including dispensaries and healthcare centers, as long as they are registered with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
This announcement was made by Governor Muthomi Njuki, who also serves as the chairperson of the Council of Governors’ Health Committee.
Governor Njuki emphasized that all county residents have the right to receive universal healthcare services at county facilities without paying, provided they are registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has replaced the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Governor Njuki also pointed out that, of the 463,000 residents in Tharaka Nithi, 123,486 had already registered with SHA, which accounts for 27% of the county’s population. “I’ve issued three important directives: If you are registered with SHA, even without paying, you will receive free medical services at dispensaries and Level 2 health centers, as long as you are not hospitalized,” he said.
For Level 3 healthcare facilities, outpatient services will also be free for those registered with SHA, though patients requiring inpatient care or referrals for admission must be fully paid-up members of the scheme.
The governor further stated that for those seeking services at Level 4 and Level 5 facilities, no additional charges will be required as long as they are registered with SHA and have paid the necessary contributions. “As your governor, I declare today that no one will incur extra charges at these facilities, as long as you have signed up for SHA and paid your dues,” he confirmed.
One of the main challenges that the county government faced since the introduction of SHA was educating the public on the benefits of the program. To address this, Governor Njuki revealed that new strategies, such as offering free medical care as an incentive, were being put in place to encourage more people to register.
Registration rates for SHIF have varied across the country, with counties like Mombasa, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Bomet leading in registration numbers. On the other hand, regions such as Turkana, West Pokot, Garissa, and Samburu have seen lower enrollment figures.
As of February 5, 2025, the Ministry of Health reported that a total of 18,988,530 Kenyans from various counties had registered for SHIF.
To increase registration further, the Ministry of Health has adjusted its approach, now working closely with county governments and community stakeholders to raise awareness and boost enrollment, particularly in areas where Universal Health Coverage is less familiar.
Tharaka Nithi is not the only county to launch such a program. On December 31, 2024, Murang’a County also introduced a similar initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Known as Kang’ata Care under SHA, the program focuses on providing free healthcare for the elderly, orphans, and people with chronic illnesses.
This initiative, which runs from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, is expected to benefit at least 31,000 people.
Those enrolled will receive a range of services, including both inpatient and outpatient care, maternity services, and emergency care. These services will be provided by contracted healthcare providers within the county.
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