Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Thursday chaired a high-level forum with private healthcare providers and senior officials of the Social Health Authority (SHA) to discuss the rollout of the government’s Taifa Care Model under the new Social Health Insurance (SHI).
The meeting, held in Nairobi, focused on ensuring smooth service delivery during the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new system.
Among the key concerns raised were sustainability of services, training on SHI operations, and the settlement of long-pending NHIF debts.
Duale assured stakeholders that the government would begin repayment of outstanding NHIF claims totaling KSh5.3 billion.
Facilities owed between KSh1 million and KSh10 million will be prioritized for immediate payment, while larger claims will be subjected to independent verification before disbursement.
To improve efficiency, the government and private providers agreed to several measures.
These include the appointment of SHA relationship managers, establishment of a joint service desk at SHA headquarters and Huduma Centres, and the introduction of real-time notifications on policy changes.
The CS also confirmed that private providers and faith-based organisations will play a central role in the county-by-county rollout of Taifa Care, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive health reforms.
He further stressed the importance of safeguarding gains made through global health partnerships, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).
The forum brought together healthcare providers from seven counties, representing 103 facilities. It was also attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr.
Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, DHA CEO Eng. Anthony Lenayara, and KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki.
Duale said the discussions underscored the need for multisectoral collaboration to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
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