Design a System That is Inclusive and Affordable - Salasya Hits Out at Ruto Over SHA

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has hit out at President William Ruto’s administration over the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA).

In a statement on Monday, May 2, Salasya criticized the government for deviating from the original promise of a free and inclusive healthcare system under SHA, turning what was meant to be a lifeline into a burden.

"When the idea of the Social Health Authority (SHA) was first introduced to the people of Kenya, it was marketed as a revolutionary policy meant to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their income or background, would access quality healthcare.

"We were told—clearly and confidently—that SHA would be free, and that only those with payslips, mainly salaried employees, would be required to contribute to the fund," he said.

According to Salasya, leaders initially supported SHA in good faith, believing it would ease the burden of healthcare costs on low-income earners and informal workers. 

However, he now says the reality is far from what was promised.

"We believed in a healthcare system that would lift the burden off ordinary Kenyans: the mama mboga in Musanda, the boda boda rider in Ekero, the sugarcane cutter in Shibale, and the casual labourer in Shianda.

"They were told all they needed to do was register—and that the government would cater for their healthcare. But today, what are we seeing?” he posed.

Salasya expressed deep concern that unemployed Kenyans and small-scale entrepreneurs are now being compelled to make contributions they cannot afford, contrary to earlier assurances.

"Now, people are being forced to contribute even when they are unemployed. Small business people and farmers are being compelled to pay contributions they cannot afford. Kenyans who were once hopeful are now confused and frustrated. It is becoming clear that the promises made were not genuine," he lamented.

Salasya further accused the government of double-speak and undermining public trust.

"You cannot lead a country successfully through blackmail and false hopes. The people of Kenya have suffered enough. Leadership must be based on honesty, transparency, and respect for the social contract. You cannot tell Kenyans one thing during public sensitization and then do the opposite behind closed doors through policy changes," he noted 

As such, Salasya demanded immediate reforms to ensure the SHA program is aligned with the original intentions communicated to the public.

"I, Hon. Peter Kalerwa Salasya, stand with the people of Mumias East and all Kenyans who feel betrayed. I demand clarity, fairness, and justice in the rollout of SHA. 

"If the government is genuine in seeking universal healthcare, it must go back to the original promise and design a system that is inclusive, affordable, and sensitive to the realities of ordinary Kenyans," he concluded.