Teachers in Nyamira County have raised alarms over persistent failures in the Social Health Authority (SHA) system, which have forced members to pay for medical services out of pocket despite their registration under the national health scheme.
During a press briefing on July 30, 2026, KUPPET Nyamira Executive Secretary George Ayieko highlighted that the digital platform responsible for processing SHA services has repeatedly malfunctioned, leaving patients without access to entitled care.
Ayieko recounted a recent incident where a teacher paid Ksh8,500 for a head scan after the SHA system failed to authorise the procedure. He noted that the Digital Health Agency (DHA), which manages the system on behalf of SHA, has not been able to resolve these issues.
Attempts to get clarification from SHA have been unfruitful, with officials redirecting responsibility to the DHA. Ayieko remarked, "When we call SHA, they say the system is managed by another body. This leaves our members without the services they deserve."
These challenges compound wider public concerns over the government's health insurance reforms that replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) with SHA as part of the universal health coverage agenda. Several counties have reported system downtimes, delays in verification, and payment approval uncertainties.
The warnings come as President William Ruto prepares to address the nation on July 30, 2026, amidst rising costs of living, public service delivery concerns, and intensified political activity. Health sector reforms, including the SHA rollout, remain key initiatives of the Kenya Kwanza government.
KUPPET officials emphasise that teachers, who continue to contribute to the scheme, are frustrated by the need to make direct payments for services that should be covered.
While the State House has not disclosed the specific topics for the President’s speech, it is expected to touch on government priorities and respond to pressing national issues.
