Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale has praised Kisumu County for emerging as a national leader in Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, with over 598,000 residents enrolled, representing 52% of the county’s population.
Speaking during the commissioning of new CT scan and mammography machines at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), CS Duale said the milestone reflects growing public trust in the new universal health coverage framework. The equipment was delivered under the National Equipment Service Program (NESP), part of the government’s efforts to strengthen diagnostic services in public health facilities.
Duale also revealed that 200,000 Kisumu residents have already undergone means testing, with an average contribution of KSh 573, signaling early success in rolling out equitable, income-based contributions under the SHA.
He urged county officials and community health workers to ramp up public awareness campaigns to ensure that all registered individuals are not only enrolled but also actively protected under the new health coverage system.
“We are seeing positive uptake, but sensitization must continue so that no one is left behind,” said the CS. “The dignity of the patient must come first, above the interests of health facilities and personnel.”
Duale further encouraged Kenyans to report any cases of healthcare malpractice via the Ministry’s toll-free line, 147, emphasizing that accountability remains a key pillar in achieving quality and ethical health service delivery.
Kisumu’s strong performance in SHA registration marks a promising step in the nationwide implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan, as the country transitions toward a more inclusive and patient-centered health system.
Written By Rodney Mbua
