By Lisa Nyambura
The Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has called on newly appointed Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to prioritize lowering Social Health Authority (SHA) premiums if he hopes to succeed in the struggling health sector.
During a familiarization tour at the Ministry of Health headquarters, Duale blamed cartels and tycoons benefiting from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for opposing SHA reforms.
However, RUPHA dismissed his remarks, stating that dismantling these cartels should be the first step towards meaningful change.
Duale is the third Health CS under President William Ruto, following Susan Nakhumicha and Deborah Mulongo.
RUPHA insists that for SHA to work, Duale must avoid repeating his predecessors’ mistakes.
They advocate for a robust IT framework, timely hospital payments, and an improved benefits package for contributors.
Currently, SHA premiums stand at 2.75% of an individual’s gross salary, with a minimum contribution of Ksh300 per month.
RUPHA argues that high premiums strain Kenyans, urging Duale to adopt practical, evidence-based policies instead of “populist” rhetoric.
“The Ministry gives no marks for populist talking points,” RUPHA stated, emphasizing the need for practical healthcare solutions over political grandstanding.
