Taifa Care will be a success, Health CS Barasa affirms

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has assured Kenyans that Taifa Care, a healthcare initiative under the Social Health Authority (SHA) will achieve its intended purpose despite the numerous challenges it has faced since its rollout.  

Speaking amid growing concerns and complaints about the new health scheme, Barasa acknowledged that while issues have arisen, they are being addressed and have significantly reduced.  

“Yes, we’ve had challenges. But the system challenges have reduced. Once it is fully implemented, I want to assure Kenyans, Taifa Care will be a success. We will have affordable health services,” said Barasa in an interview with KTN.  

Her remarks come amid ongoing uproar over SHA.  

On March,13, police officers expressed concerns over the scheme's failure to cover their medical expenses during treatment. Last week, clinical officers took to the streets, demanding inclusivity in the healthcare authority.  

Weeks earlier, private hospitals had halted SHA services, citing pending debts under the now-defunct NHIF. While the issue was resolved following President William Ruto’s directive, Kenyans across the country continue to express frustration over SHA’s dysfunctionality.  

Some contributors have had to pay for medical expenses out of pocket despite being registered with SHA. While others have received some support, the coverage has been minimal compared to what NHIF previously offered.  

Others have been denied services altogether due to system failures.  

However, Barasa emphasised that system glitches should not hinder service delivery.  

"Delays can occur even when we look at the finest systems in the US and the UK. What we are saying is if the system is not working, health service provision is stopped because of a system. You can use hard copies then put it in once the system is up. No Kenyan should be denied health services because of a system but this system must work," she said.

CS Deborah Barasa: Delays can occur even when we look at the finest systems in the US and the UK. What we are saying is if the system is not working, we are not saying health service provision is stopped because of a system. You can use hard copies then put it in once the system… pic.twitter.com/9Hj6iV2U8r — KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) March 13, 2025

On the issue of pending claims, Barasa revealed that the government has already processed claims worth Sh4 billion. However, some claims remain unresolved due to errors originating from hospitals.  

“Most of the claims we have settled. However, the challenges we face are with facilities that have given the wrong name or account number. We urge them to confirm and reach out so that the issue can be resolved,” she said.  

Barasa further revealed that at least Sh6 billion has been collected from the 4.4 million Kenyans registered under SHA so far, with a surplus of Sh2.7 billion recorded.  

Providing an update on the government's broader healthcare initiatives, Barasa reported that community health promoters have visited 8.5 million out of the 12.5 million targeted households.

During these visits, they identified 331 diabetes cases and referred 134 mothers to hospitals for further care, among other interventions.  

Regarding funding challenges following the suspension of USAID financial aid by former US President Donald Trump, Barasa said the government is working towards self-reliance. She added that discussions are ongoing with the Treasury to include support for affected areas in the national budget.  

Adding that further directions regarding the same and ongoing concers within the health sector will soon be provided.