MPs To Grill SHA Boss During Retreat After Arrest Of Woman Who Stormed Afya House
The SHA and SHIF uptake challenges will take centre stage as Members of the National Assembly gather for the 2025 mid-term retreat, set to begin on Monday, January 27.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
In response to the challenges surrounding the operation and uptake of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the Social Health Authority (SHA), Parliament has announced plans to summon senior management from SHA to respond to questions and address concerns.
The SHA and SHIF uptake challenges will take centre stage as Members of the National Assembly gather for the 2025 mid-term retreat, set to begin on Monday, January 27.
The retreat will take place from January 27-31, 2025, in Nakuru County, bringing together the Presidium, the leadership of the House, the House Business Committee, Chairpersons of House Committees, and all Members of Parliament.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula observed that Parliament has made significant strides in 2023 and 2024 by passing key legislations aimed at implementing the Government's universal health coverage (UHC) programs.
A visibly agitated Grace Njoki when she stormed the Ministry of Health offices to lament the lack of operationalization of the Social Health Authority (SHA) on January 15, 2025 (right) and when she was arrested (left). /DCI.PHOTO
However, Speaker Wetang'ula acknowledged the reported implementation challenges that have accompanied the framework.
“This session will provide an opportunity for Members of Parliament to engage with Dr. Mohamed Abdi Mohamed, Chairperson of the Social Health Authority (SHA), who will provide an update on the status of the framework’s implementation, the challenges faced, and the corrective measures being taken,” the Speaker said.
While SHIF aims to enhance healthcare access, Kenyans have raised concerns over the quality of care, citing issues like long wait times, inadequate staff, and substandard treatment.
This announcement in particular comes in the wake of a recent uproar involving Grace Mulei, a 61-year-old who disrupted a Ministry of Health media address at Afya House in Nairobi, leading to her arrest.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrest on Thursday, January 23, revealing that she was tracked down to Hombe Road, off Juja Road, and apprehended.
Consequently, Speaker Wetang'ula announced that Dr Mohamed Abdi Mohamed and his team have been invited to the retreat to address these concerns directly.
Other than matters of health, the lawmakers will also meet officials from the Treasury to discuss Kenya's fiscal issues as the budget-making process gains high gear. The Speaker emphasized that the retreat will also address the country’s economic outlook and the plans for Kenya’s growing youth population.
“The National Assembly plays a pivotal role in budget-making and the management of public finance, including but not limited to oversight of public spending and debt management,” Speaker Wetang'ula explained
“In light of increasing budgetary needs and public demand for services, the National Treasury has been invited to present on the state of the economy and related matters.”
The Speaker added that this session will enable MPs to address any concerns raised by their constituents from time to time regarding the economic situation in the country and clarify any misinformation.
The growing youth population is a significant concern for the nation and its leaders. Addressing this issue will be a key agenda item during the MPs' retreat, where they will deliberate on strategies for youth empowerment, including job creation and other initiatives.
