President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to remain hopeful and patient as his government implements reforms aimed at achieving universal health coverage.
Speaking during the 2024 Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kwale Stadium, Ruto pledged that in just a matter of weeks, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will begin serving Kenyans efficiently, making healthcare accessible to all.
“I call on all Kenyans to have faith and a little patience. In a matter of weeks, SHIF will be serving us efficiently and making the dream of universal coverage come true,” Ruto said, in a speech that highlighted his administration’s ambitious social welfare programs.
The president’s remarks come as Kenya transitions from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHIF, a move designed to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to all Kenyans, including those who cannot afford to pay. Ruto reassured the public that the government would foot the bill for those unable to contribute, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in accessing healthcare.
Healthcare Reforms and Universal Coverage
Ruto outlined the progress made towards universal health coverage, stating that 12.9 million Kenyans had already registered with the Social Health Authority and that 50% of private health facilities were onboard to provide services under the new scheme. He urged private hospitals to expedite their enrollment to ensure full national coverage.
The president acknowledged concerns about the transition from NHIF to SHIF, particularly regarding employment, but reassured current and former employees that their jobs were secure. “I want to assure all employees of NHIF that no one will lose their jobs during this transition,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining a smooth and efficient shift.
To further bolster the healthcare sector, Ruto announced that the government had released KES 3 billion to settle outstanding payments owed to hospitals under the old NHIF scheme. This, he said, would help resolve long-standing issues with service delivery, allowing hospitals to continue offering essential services as the new system takes root.
Honoring Kenya’s Freedom Fighters
While healthcare was a central theme, President Ruto also took time to reflect on the significance of Mashujaa Day—a national holiday that honors Kenya’s heroes. He paid tribute to the nation’s freedom fighters, who fought against colonial rule and laid the foundation for an independent Kenya.
“These heroes did not hail from one village or speak one language. Our heroes are numerous and diverse, united by a principled commitment to confront an unjust, oppressive system in pursuit of national liberation,” Ruto said. He cited historical figures such as Mekatilili wa Menza, Ronald Ngala, and Otenyo Nyamantere as examples of the courage and determination that continue to inspire the nation today.
Ruto emphasized that the spirit of the freedom struggle must be kept alive through nation-building efforts that promote unity, equality, and inclusion. He condemned any form of discrimination or marginalization, calling it “repugnant to the essence of our nationhood.”
“We must remain united as one family, drawing strength from the unique contributions of our diverse members,” he said, adding that Kenya’s future depends on the ability to treat each other with justice and fairness.
Economic Transformation Agenda
The president also took the opportunity to highlight the progress of his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which he described as Kenya’s roadmap to economic freedom. The plan, according to Ruto, is designed to create jobs, reduce poverty, and foster sustainable development by investing heavily in sectors that benefit the majority of Kenyans, particularly those in informal and underserved communities.
Key sectors identified under this agenda include agriculture, digital infrastructure, and housing. Ruto noted that investments in agriculture, particularly in inputs like fertilizer, have already resulted in increased food production and a reduction in the cost of living. He assured farmers that the government had secured a fresh consignment of fertilizer, which would continue to be sold at subsidized prices to support food security.
In the digital economy, Ruto praised the development of ICT hubs across the country, including in remote areas, as part of efforts to expand opportunities for young people. He encouraged members of parliament to prioritize the construction of these hubs, which are seen as key to fostering digital entrepreneurship and innovation.
Affordable Housing and Job Creation
One of the major pillars of the economic transformation plan is the government’s affordable housing program, which aims to deliver 200,000 homes annually to address the country’s housing deficit. Ruto described this initiative as central to improving the quality of life for millions of Kenyans, many of whom currently live in informal settlements with inadequate sanitation and security.
“Through the affordable housing program, we are not just building homes; we are creating jobs, empowering communities, and fostering economic growth,” Ruto said. He noted that 124,000 housing units were at various stages of completion across 37 counties, with projects also underway to provide housing for the military, police, and correctional services personnel.
Blue Economy Development
Finally, the president turned his attention to the coastal region’s blue economy, highlighting the sector’s potential to create jobs and drive economic growth. Ruto revealed that the government is investing KES 2.7 billion in constructing fish landing sites and cold storage facilities, with KES 1.2 billion allocated specifically to the coast.
He also announced that the Shimoni Fish Port, Kenya’s first dedicated fish port, was 82% complete and would soon be operational, boosting the country’s fish handling capacity and opening up new opportunities for export. The government is further supporting local fishing cooperatives with grants and providing equipment to help communities transition to deep-sea fishing.
As he concluded his speech, President Ruto urged Kenyans to remain optimistic about the future, despite the challenges ahead. He called on the nation to draw inspiration from its history of resilience and courage, reminding them that Kenya’s progress depends on the collective efforts of its people.
“What we have learned from Kenya’s history of freedom struggle is this: we must not allow the fear of change to imprison us in the past,” he said. “I call on all Kenyans to have faith and a little patience.”
