(Kericho) – Kericho County residents are being encouraged to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access a wide range of quality healthcare services without financial strain. During the official mass rollout of SHA and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) at Uhuru Gardens in Kericho, Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga praised locals for their growing participation and outlined the programme’s benefits.
Chidzuga explained that SHA provides preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative healthcare at Levels 4, 5, and 6 health facilities. Additional benefits include emergency services, critical care, and treatment for chronic illnesses. She urged citizens to register by dialing *147# and following the instructions, assuring them that the process is straightforward and accessible.
She acknowledged that misinformation and propaganda had hindered smooth registration but called on residents to ignore these distractions and take advantage of the new healthcare cover.
Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, who attended the event, revealed the county’s goal to register over 900,000 people for SHA. He stated that all 164 public health facilities, six faith-based hospitals, and 12 private hospitals in the county are already registered with SHA and ready to serve patients.
Dr. Mutai also announced financial support for healthcare services, noting that the Kericho County Referral Hospital and Kapkatet Hospital had received Sh18 million and Sh14 million, respectively, from SHA. He urged residents to register and benefit from the programme, emphasizing the county’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery.
The governor further disclosed plans to confirm healthcare workers on permanent and pensionable terms and hire 210 additional nurses and clinicians to reduce congestion at dispensaries and sub-county hospitals. The county has allocated Sh35 million to pay outstanding arrears to Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to ensure continuity in their vital work.
County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo called on Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs to actively disseminate accurate information about SHA and SHIF. He criticized false claims spread on social media and highlighted numerous government projects benefiting Kericho residents.
Key Projects in Kericho
| Project | Cost (Sh) | Status/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable Housing Project (Majengo Tallai) | Ongoing | Over 1,000 housing units under construction |
| Kapsuser-Sosiot-Sondu Road | 905 million | Tarmacking underway |
| Kimugu Water Project | Over 1 billion | Serving Kericho Town and neighboring areas |
| Soin-Koru Multipurpose Water Project | 20 billion | Feasibility stage |
| Londiani Water Dam | 20 billion | Feasibility stage |
| Soko-Huru Aggregation Park | 541 million | In Soin Sigowet Sub-county |
| Cheborge-Kipwastuiwa-Sotik Road | 590 million | Construction ongoing |
| Ajira Digital Programme | National initiative | Empowering youth for online jobs |
| Inua Jamii Subsidy Programme | Ongoing | Supporting 8,900 households |
Mr. Kitiyo added that the government has funded tree planting across 533 acres in Kericho, with plans to cover 1.5 million acres. The county has also received Sh60 million for classroom construction under the Ministry of Education, further enhancing development.