MARSABIT – Cabinet Secretary for Health, Susan Nakhumicha, has emphasized the importance of widespread social health insurance registration in Marsabit County, calling on both elected and administrative leaders to enhance local campaigns. This push aims to transition residents from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) by next month.
According to Kenya News Agency, who spoke during the World Blood Donor’s Day celebrations in Marsabit, the pilot phase of the registration process has revealed several significant challenges that must be addressed urgently. The Cabinet Secretary highlighted issues such as the lack of identity cards and marriage certificates, poor internet connectivity, and the absence of mobile phones among villagers as barriers to registration.
Nakhumicha visited Dakabaricha village to assess the ongoing pilot project and stressed the need for the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) to collaborate closely with local leaders, including Governor Mohamud Ali, to educate residents about the benefits of the SHIF. She urged NGAO to expedite the issuance of identity cards to facilitate smoother registration processes.
Additionally, the Cabinet Secretary addressed connectivity issues, disclosing partnerships with providers like Safaricom to enhance internet services in remote areas. She also mentioned deploying community health promoters to assist those without mobile phones in registering for the SHIF.
To overcome the hurdle of unregistered traditional marriages, Nakhumicha advised local chiefs to provide written confirmations of marital status, enabling more residents to enroll in the health program. On a broader scale, she encouraged all Kenyans to participate in blood donation, underscoring its critical role in medical emergencies and healthcare delivery.
The celebration also saw significant participation from national figures, including the first daughter Charlene Ruto, Acting Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Social Health Authority Chairman Dr. Timothy Olweny, all of whom supported the event’s goals.
Governor Ali reaffirmed his commitment to upgrading healthcare services and facilities in Marsabit, reflecting on the region’s ongoing efforts towards modernization and improved public health. He also highlighted a notable achievement from the event—a collection of over 350 pints of blood over three days, demonstrating the community’s active involvement in lifesaving initiatives.
In addition to these healthcare initiatives, Nakhumicha announced the planned introduction of a nursing course at the Marsabit Kenya Medical Training campus starting in September, marking another significant advancement in local medical education and training.