Woman Rep Calls for Return of SHA Monthly Payments

Tharaka-Nithi County Woman Representative Susan Ngugi has urged fellow legislators to advocate for the reinstatement of SHA monthly payment options.

Ngugi, speaking at Kangoro in Chuka Igambang'ombe Constituency on Saturday, noted that a majority of Kenyans in the informal sector struggle to afford the current premiums, adding that many have unpredictable earnings.

"Our responsibility as elected leaders, even as we encourage Kenyans to register with SHA, is to return to Parliament and push for monthly premiums, especially for low-income earners with irregular incomes," she said.

Previously, non-salaried individuals under the revised payment model were allowed to make monthly contributions. However, the option was later withdrawn, leaving Kenyans who preferred flexible payment plans frustrated.

Ngugi urged the government to reinstate the monthly payment option and called for consultative forums between elected leaders and the executive to address the pressing issue.

"As we travel across the country encouraging Kenyans to register for the medical insurance scheme, many residents are unable to remit their annual premiums because they simply can't afford them," she emphasized.

However, the government maintains that the newly introduced flexible payment plan, known as Lipa SHA Pole Pole, will make health insurance contributions more accessible. The plan allows Kenyans to pay in daily, weekly, or monthly installments.

The initiative, also referred to as Lipa SHA Mos Mos, is designed to ease the financial burden, particularly for those in the informal sector who may not be able to afford the full annual contribution upfront.