Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has affirmed commitment of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to providing comprehensive health services to all Kenyans.

At the same time, Duale has revealed that the government will allocate Sh21 billion towards Primary Health Care, hence every person who is registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) will be entitled to free outpatient medical services in the hospital of their choice.

“What we call outpatient services are free in all hospitals in Kenya. All public facilities, Faith Based facilities and private hospitals should offer these services free of charge,” said Duale.

He made the remarks at TM grounds in Narok Central Sub County during a forum to empower the boda boda riders, which was attended by Narok Governor, Patrick Ntutu and the president’s aide, Farouk Kibet.

Also present was National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanos Osoro, Memusi Kanchuri (Kajiado Central), Agnes Pareyio (Narok North), Kitilai Ntutu (Narok South), Johanah Ngeno (Emurua Dikir), Rebeccah Tonkei (Narok County) and David Sankok (EALA).

The health CS reported that 328,000 people had registered with SHA in Narok county out of a target of 1.1 million.

“The vision of President William Ruto is to empower the less fortunate people in the society through the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Registering with SHA gives someone an opportunity of enjoying free health services regardless of your status in the society,” he asserted.

The CS promised to reform the health sector that he alleged was marred by cartels who swindled the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) by faking major health services.

“We have closed over 1, 000 private hospitals that did not properly account for the funds they received from NHIF. We will ensure that the money is paid and the culprits arrested and prosecuted in court,” he reiterated.

Duale added that deregistered facilities will have their medical insurance access revoked and will not be allowed to operate again.

He also addressed his critics, stating that he would not be intimidated or derailed from his mission to ensure all Kenyans access affordable, quality healthcare.

– By Ann Salaton, KNA