The rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) registration in Nakuru County has entered a new phase following the launch of a training program for healthcare workers by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale. The program aims to develop Trainers of Trainees (ToTs), who will further cascade SHA knowledge and processes across health facilities within the county.
The SHA registration initiative is part of the government’s broader agenda to strengthen access to universal health care. The training will ensure that healthcare personnel at different levels are adequately equipped to educate and assist residents in enrolling for SHA services.
To support the registration process, the Ministry of Health distributed 1,140 tablets to healthcare workers across Nakuru County. Each tablet is equipped with a SIM card and comes with pre-paid internet bundles valid for 10 years. This initiative is designed to enable efficient digital registration, real-time data collection, and monitoring of progress at the grassroots level.
Speaking during the launch event, Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to improving the delivery of health services in Nakuru County and across the country. He emphasized that SHA registration is a key step toward ensuring that every Kenyan can access health services without facing financial hardship.
Hon. Duale also announced additional support measures, including the joint equipping of the Nakuru Regional Cancer Centre, the clearance of pending claims under health insurance programs, and the expansion of SHA benefits to cover more services across all levels of care.
Governor H.E. Susan Kihika welcomed the initiative and assured the Cabinet Secretary of her administration’s support in implementing SHA. She stated that the County Government of Nakuru remains focused on ensuring improved health outcomes through effective collaboration with the national government.
The Governor noted that the County Department of Health is actively mobilizing staff and community health promoters to assist in SHA awareness and registration efforts. This is in line with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), which prioritizes access to quality and affordable healthcare.
The SHA program is expected to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on residents by promoting risk pooling and prepayment for health services. It will also enhance the delivery of preventive, promotive, and curative care through increased access to a wider package of health services under a structured benefits plan.
Also present at the launch were Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Acting CEO of the Digital Health Agency Eng. Anthony Lenayara, County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, and Members of Parliament including Samwel Arama (Nakuru Town West), Irene Njoki (Bahati), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), and Lisa Chelule (Women Representative). Nakuru County officials, Members of the County Assembly, and senior Ministry of Health officials were also in attendance.
The event marks a key step in implementing the government’s promise to make healthcare more accessible, sustainable, and efficient through the Social Health Authority framework.