Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga has called on Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), reiterating that enrollment is essential for accessing comprehensive healthcare services.
Speaking during a Huduma Mashinani outreach in Kisumu West Constituency, Oluga explained that SHA ensures a continuous healthcare support, which includes exchequer-funded primary care as well as management for emergency, chronic, and critical illnesses.
“Access to healthcare is not just a service; it is a safeguard against preventable loss of life, financial hardship, and intergenerational poverty,” he stated.
Oluga pointed out that access to SHA is closely linked to broader national systems, particularly civil registration. He noted that a lack of essential documentation, such as national identity cards, can prevent vulnerable populations from accessing health services, ultimately impacting health outcomes and economic stability.
During the event, Oluga highlighted ongoing government investments aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery infrastructure across the country. In the Kisumu region, he cited the construction of new health facilities in Nyalenda, Urenga (Ugenya), Madiany (Rarieda), and Maguga (Gwasi), positioning these projects as part of a broader strategy to improve equitable access to quality care.
He further pointed to institutional reforms, including the transition of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital into a national parastatal, which has facilitated additional state funding.
“The Government is supporting Kisumu County Referral Hospital with KSh 400 million to strengthen it as a Level 5 facility. In addition, KSh 3 billion is being invested to upgrade specialised services at JOOTRH through modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment,” he stated.
The outreach event, hosted by Children Services Principal Secretary Carren Ageng’o, integrated services from multiple agencies, including the Huduma Centre, the State Law Office, Children Services, APDK, and the Kenya Medical Training College.
A free medical camp held during the event served over 1,000 residents, as part of the government’s push to decentralize essential services.
