Embu Governor and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairperson Cecily Mbarire has publicly declared that the Social Health Authority (SHA) system is failing, echoing growing discontent over the government’s flagship healthcare initiative.
Speaking on Thursday, Mbarire highlighted the financial burden placed on citizens, stating, “The truth is that SHA has problems. People are being asked to pay a lot of money they cannot afford.”
Her remarks come amid mounting criticism of the system, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) under President William Ruto’s administration.
Mbarire, a key figure in the ruling UDA party, acknowledged the potential of SHA but stressed the need for urgent reforms.
“As a truthful leader, I won’t lie to you—if they can rectify that mistake, SHA is a very good system,” she said, urging authorities to address the public’s concerns over affordability and access.
Her candid admission has sparked fresh debate about the rollout of the program, which was intended to deliver universal healthcare but has faced accusations of poor implementation and inadequate service delivery.
Adding to the chorus of dissatisfaction, police officers from Makueni County have raised their own grievances, claiming that SHA, alongside private insurance providers Bliss and Makl, are failing to meet their healthcare needs.
According to sources within the police service, officers enrolled in these schemes have encountered repeated difficulties accessing medical care, with claims often rejected or delayed.
“We were promised better coverage, but SHA isn’t working for us, and neither are Bliss or Makl,” one officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters.
The officers allege that the insurance systems, designed to supplement SHA for civil servants, are plagued by inefficiencies, leaving them vulnerable during medical emergencies.
The dual criticism from a prominent governor and frontline law enforcement officers underscores the deepening crisis surrounding SHA.
Launched with much fanfare, the initiative has been mired in controversy since its inception, with reports of system failures, inadequate hospital contracting, and poor public communication fuelling public outrage.
Earlier this year, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed the Health Committee to investigate SHA’s shortcomings, a process that remains ongoing.
Health Ministry officials have yet to respond directly to Mbarire’s comments or the officers’ claims, though previous statements have defended SHA as a transformative step toward equitable healthcare.
The ministry has also cited funding allocations to cover indigent citizens, pending means testing, as evidence of its commitment.
“SHA is not working.” Embu Governor and UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire now says. pic.twitter.com/VRlJzNgAcC
— jim Njue (@jimNjue_) March 13, 2025
