Turkana County has launched a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) aimed at registering at least 100,000 new members to the Social Health Authority (SHA) within just seven days, as part of a broader push to strengthen universal healthcare coverage in the region.
The campaign, themed “Accelerating SHA Uptake Through Community-Led Rapid Results,”was officially launched by Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus, who emphasized that registration will be free throughout the exercise.
“SHA is a well conceived national initiative to ensure inclusive access to healthcare. As a county, we’re removing all cost barriers during this registration period and paying the first installment for our residents,” said Dr. Erus at the launch.
The initiative will span all sub-counties, covering 256 community village units and engaging over 2,600 Community Health Promoters (CHPs), 127 village administrators, ward administrators, chiefs, and assistant chiefs. It is designed to accelerate health enrollment while simultaneously educating the public about the benefits of SHA.
According to County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Epem Joseph Esekon, Turkana continues to miss out on Primary Health Care (PHC) financing a key metric tied to patient numbers due to historically low SHA registration levels.
“This campaign is essential for enhancing social protection, improving access to PHC, and supporting a sustainable healthcare financing strategy for Turkana,” said Dr. Esekon.
Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Services, Janerose Tioko, revealed that only 164,556 out of Turkana’s population of 926,976 are currently registered with SHA. She urged residents to seize the opportunity, pointing out that 218 of the county’s 301 health facilities are already equipped to provide SHA services.
“This is a chance to protect yourself and your family from the financial burden of medical treatment. Registered residents can now access care at level two and three health facilities at no cost,” she said.
The RRI has also enlisted the support of local associations including transport groups, traders, Boda Boda operators, fish vendors, and others to help rally their members toward the county’s ambitious target.
“We are mobilizing every available channel to reach our people. By working with chairpersons of organized societies, we’re ensuring no one is left behind,” added Dr. Esekon.
Director of Community Health Services Joseph Lolepo noted that, beyond registration, the drive also aims to demystify SHA among the population.
“We’re spreading the word that SHA can save lives and money. Many people don’t realize they can get treatment at hospitals without paying large out-of-pocket costs,” Lolepo said.
A moving testimony from resident Christine Asiyapat underscored SHA’s life-saving impact. She recounted how the scheme covered hospital expenses for her critically ill child, including a week in the ICU, diagnostic imaging, and specialized care — a bill that would have exceeded KSh 400,000.
Touched by the story, Dr. Erus pledged to cover any outstanding balance on the family’s bill, using the moment to urge all eligible residents to register.
“Our goal is not just this week we aim to enroll 1.5 million new residents into SHA within the next year. This accelerated campaign is just the beginning,” he said.
Despite the ambitious target, the team on the ground is optimistic. Swaleh Ekutan, a CHP involved in the campaign, said field workers are well-trained and motivated to surpass the daily quota of 100 registrations.
However, Erus acknowledged existing challenges. “Turkana’s unique population presents registration hurdles. Many eligible residents lack ID cards or mobile phones both required for SHA registration. We urge the national government to adjust the system to accommodate these circumstances, including allowing CHPs to assist with phone-based registration.”
The week-long campaign is viewed as a key turning point in achieving equitable healthcare access in one of Kenya’s most underserved regions.
Written by Ian Maleve
