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The Social Health Authority (SHA) has introduced a new initiative, ‘Lipa SHA Pole Pole’, aimed at making it easier for Kenyans to pay for healthcare.
The programme was launched on Tuesday by SHA’s new chief executive Dr Mercy Mwangangi, during her official inauguration.
The ‘Lipa Pole Pole’ plan allows people to pay their health premiums or contributions in manageable installments, depending on their income.
“Through this new instrument, if I am working anywhere in the country, maybe as a mama mboga, it now means I will be able to pay my annual premiums,” said Mwangangi.
“There will be options for daily contributions. So, if your annual premium is Sh5,000 or Sh10,000, what would that look like as a daily deduction? Most Kenyans would likely prefer small, daily payments,” she added.
This strategy is also expected to boost resource mobilisation and increase enrolment into the national health system.
“What will determine how we move forward is you, the Kenyan,” said Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services.
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“Instead of waiting until you are sick, contribute now so that your support can help others who are unwell or cannot afford to pay.”
He appealed to the public to take action: “I want to appeal to you, Kenyan who is listening. You are the bridge between health and sickness for someone else. Our benefit package is based on real data and contributions.”
Mwangangi emphasised the importance of grassroots engagement: “We need deep and meaningful community involvement, which we are committed to achieving. We will also use innovation to improve our systems and ensure we deliver on our promises.”
The SHA leadership also outlined their key priorities: engaging the public, improving healthcare service delivery, securing essential medical supplies, digitising operations, and restoring order to the sector. One of the biggest challenges they acknowledged is miscommunication within the health system.
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