Moses Kuria, the former Cabinet Secretary and current senior economic advisor, has introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare access for Boda Boda riders in Embu County.
This new deal, known as the Afyaboda na Karinda programme, promises to subsidize 50% of the Social Health Authority (SHA) premiums for over 10,000 riders across all 20 wards in the county.
This initiative targets active Boda Boda operators within Embu County. Riders must be registered with their respective associations to qualify for the subsidy.
The program will significantly reduce the financial burden of healthcare for these workers by covering half their SHA premiums. This move is particularly beneficial in a sector often associated with high accident rates and health risks.
The Embu County Government will partner with local Boda Boda associations to ensure smooth registration and compliance with SHA requirements.
The initiative aims to not only provide healthcare benefits but also foster a culture of health awareness among riders.
This announcement comes at a time when there is a push for better healthcare solutions for informal sector workers, particularly in high-risk occupations like Boda Boda riding.
Moses Kuria’s initiative reflects a broader governmental effort to extend the benefits of the SHA to underserved communities, ensuring that even those in informal employment have access to affordable healthcare.
This program also aligns with other national efforts to integrate more Kenyans into health insurance schemes, as evidenced by previous campaigns to increase SHA registration across various demographics.
The Afyaboda na Karinda programme is poised to set a precedent for similar initiatives in other counties, potentially expanding healthcare access nationwide for those in informal employment.
