President William Ruto Sunday assured Kenyans that the government’s universal healthcare programme, the Social Health Authority, will overcome its teething challenges.
Ruto said this government will actualise Universal Health Coverage, noting that previous administrations have made unsuccessful attempts at its rollout.
He, however, noted that some of the issues affecting its implementation may take a bit of time to be fully resolved because of the magnitude of the programme.
“It is the biggest programme we have in the country. It may take time for things to align, but believe you me: It is going to work,” he said.
He made the remarks during Sunday service at Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi County.
He was accompanied by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and MPs.
He said the health insurance scheme seeks to ensure that every Kenyan, irrespective of financial background, has medical cover.
In the past, he noted, health insurance was only available to those who were in employment or had the means to pay.
On jobs, Ruto said the government has put in place robust measures to create opportunities for young people. He cited the export of labour programme which, he said, is expanding horizons for many youth.
He commended the leadership of Jesus Winner Ministry for securing employment opportunities abroad for its members, and asked other religious organisations to emulate such initiatives.
“Instead of engaging in blame games, we can work together to find solutions to our problems,” he added.
Ruto said he was optimistic that the country would continue to thrive, citing increased agricultural productivity and the stability of the economy.
Sakaja asked Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority, saying it will be key to ensuring access to quality healthcare services.
At the same time, legislators from the ruling party and the opposition vowed to rally behind President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s efforts to unite the country.
They were MPs John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), George Aladwa (Makadara), Simon Ng’ang’a King’ara (Ruiru), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), Sabina Chege (Nominated MP), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), and Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West).
Oluoch said it was noble that President Ruto and Odinga are working together to bring Kenyans together. He pledged that he would not stand in the way of such progressive efforts.
“Should I help Raila to gather or to scatter?” he asked.
Elachi asked Kenyans to shun tribal politics, saying places such as Nairobi City are inhabited by Kenyans from every region.
Mwenje said even though they had opposed the President in the past, they had made a decision to come together for the sake of the country’s progress.
“There is a season for everything. We are now at the season of building the nation,” he said.
Aladwa commended President Ruto’s efforts to unite the country so that Kenyans can work together, terming it a bold vision.
King’ara asked Kenyans to always strive to portray the country’s image positively, noting that was the way to help will help unlock opportunities locally and abroad.
Chege reminded Kenyans of the shared responsibility for the country’s future, highlighting that the well-being of all citizens is tied to the nation’s success.
“If Kenya is well, everyone will be okay. If things go wrong, everyone will suffer,” she said.
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