Kenyan MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has hit back at fellow lawmakers criticising the Social Health Authority (SHA), warning that blanket condemnation of the new health system risks undermining ongoing reforms.
In remarks that have intensified debate over the rollout of SHA, the Githunguri MP challenged MPs and senators who claim the system is not working, particularly in community settings such as churches and funerals, to lead by example.
“To the MPs and senators claiming that SHA is not working, why don’t you deregister yourself and your family first, then we will believe you?” Ms Wamuchomba said.
While acknowledging that the system is facing operational and technical challenges, she cautioned against what she described as irresponsible political messaging.
“Leaders provide solutions, not amplifying problems,” she said, adding that urging supporters and followers not to register with SHA was “retrogressive” in the absence of a clear alternative.
The Social Health Authority replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as part of President William Ruto’s flagship health reforms aimed at achieving universal health coverage.
The transition, however, has been marked by criticism from sections of the political class, with concerns raised over system reliability, access to services and public communication.
Ms Wamuchomba has previously been a vocal critic of both SHA’s rollout and President Ruto’s broader economic and governance agenda, questioning the pace of reforms and their impact on ordinary Kenyans. She has, in the past, warned that poor implementation could erode public trust in the health system.
Her latest comments reflect a more nuanced position — recognising weaknesses in the SHA system while opposing calls that she says could derail reforms altogether without offering workable alternatives.
The government maintains that challenges experienced during the rollout are temporary and insists that SHA will stabilise as registration increases and system upgrades are completed. Debate over the future of the scheme continues as lawmakers, health workers and the public weigh its effectiveness.
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