Karen Nyamu Asks Not To Be Called For Harambees Unless Kenyans Register For SHA

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu on Friday, February 28, urged Kenyans not to invite her to fundraisers unless they are registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Addressing residents in Embu, Nyamu cautioned them against rejecting government initiatives like SHA, stating that those who oppose such programs should not expect her financial support for their projects.

She made the remarks while attending a requiem mass in Embu County, where she attempted to persuade mourners to enroll in SHA. 

However, her message was met with strong resistance, as attendees expressed their disapproval of SHA and its policies. In response, she firmly stated that those unwilling to register should refrain from seeking her contributions in the future.

"I have heard that you people from Embu are really opposing government projects, especially SHA. I want to tell you that SHA is a very good program; it will take care of you when you are sick. That is why you should all register," Nyamu told the visibly opposed mourners, who openly told her "hatuitaki," which translates to we don't want it.

"Then, if you don't agree, don't invite me here for fundraisers again," the Senator warned.

The senator’s remarks were met with a chilly reception from the mourners, who murmured in disapproval, heckled, and ultimately refused to applaud her.

The Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced the now defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), has been mired in controversy since its introduction. Since its launch in October 2024, Kenyans have repeatedly raised concerns over SHA's failure to fulfill its mandate of providing healthcare services.

The scheme has struggled with mounting debts, insufficient funding, stalled systems, and limitations in covering certain illnesses, despite requiring higher contributions from Kenyans compared to NHIF.

According to the Ministry of Health, as of February, 19.4 million Kenyans have registered for the Social Health Authority (SHA). However, the ministry has cautioned that the program could face a financial crisis.

Speaking during a weekly briefing outside Afya House on Wednesday, February 12, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth addressed SHA’s financial challenges. They revealed that out of the 19.4 million registered individuals, only 3.3 million are actively contributing to the scheme.

This week, more than 300 private hospitals suspended services under SHA indefinitely on a day the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA) moved to do the same on Monday, February 24, plunging President William Ruto's pet healthcare insurance project into an abyss.

The Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH) in a statement announced that its members agreed to suspend all credit arrangements under the SHA insurance scheme and Medical Administrator Kenya Limited (MAKL) indefinitely.