Challenges of Social Health Insurance Fund Top Agenda as MPs Convene for Mid-Term Retreat
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 27 – The implementation hurdles of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the Social Health Authority (SHA) will dominate discussions as Members of the National Assembly kick off their 2025 mid-term retreat on Monday.
The five-day retreat, running until January 31, brings together the President, House leadership, committee chairpersons, and all MPs under the theme ‘Marshalling House Business: Progress Made and Lessons Learned.’
Key issues on the agenda include the state of Kenya’s economy, youth empowerment strategies, and legislative priorities. Legislators will also evaluate parliamentary committees’ effectiveness and strengthen oversight mechanisms.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula highlighted that Parliament had made strides in supporting universal health coverage (UHC), citing the creation of SHIF as a notable achievement. However, he acknowledged implementation challenges, such as long wait times and inadequate care.
“This retreat offers an opportunity for MPs to engage with SHA Chairperson Dr. Mohamed Abdi Mohamed, who will update us on SHIF’s progress, challenges, and corrective measures,” Wetang’ula said.
Beyond health reforms, MPs will address economic concerns, with the National Treasury set to present on budgetary needs, public finance management, and debt oversight. Wetang’ula noted the retreat provides a platform to tackle constituent concerns about the economy and dispel misinformation.
The growing youth population is another focus as legislators deliberate on strategies for job creation and empowerment.
The retreat will also explore constitutional amendments to entrench three specialized funds—the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), Senate Oversight Fund, and National Government Affirmative Action Fund, into the Constitution.
“The session will allow MPs to deliberate on these proposals and ensure the people’s representatives’ views are considered before the Bill is published,” Wetang’ula said.
