The County Government of Murang’a has taken a pioneering step towards universal healthcare by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to provide free medical care to 31,416 indigent and vulnerable households through the indigent project dubbed ‘Kang’ataCare’.
The agreement, signed in Nairobi, is seen as a major stride in bridging healthcare inequalities and setting a benchmark for other counties in Kenya towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Social Health Authority Acting CEO Robert Ingasira lauded Murang’a County for its leadership in healthcare access.
“This partnership between SHA and the County Government of Murang’a is a significant step towards achieving equitable healthcare access and fulfilling our shared commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” Ingasira said. “Murang’a is the first county in Kenya to implement this mandate, setting a benchmark for others. This initiative underscores the strength of collaboration between national and county institutions in addressing healthcare needs and strengthening social safety nets.”
Ingasira added that, SHA has been conducting mass registration drives to enroll citizens into the scheme and called on other counties to assist in enrolling the needy.
Murang’a County identified and profiled indigent households using a rigorous means-testing instrument, ensuring accurate records and mobilizing beneficiaries during the registration process. The vetting committee, composed of area chiefs, sub-chiefs, nyumba kumi representatives, and church leaders, was instrumental in identifying the most deserving families.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata emphasized the need for county governments to take proactive measures in ensuring access to healthcare for all citizens, particularly the vulnerable.
“The constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest attainable standard of health under Article 43. However, many cannot afford healthcare costs,” Kang’ata said. “This is where county governments must step up to ensure the needy can access quality health services.”
Under the Murang’a County Indigent Project, dubbed Kang’ataCare, the 31,416 households will receive a comprehensive essential benefits package. This includes outpatient and inpatient services, maternity and emergency care, and treatment for chronic and critical illnesses, all through contracted healthcare providers within the county.
The county will pay premiums quarterly in advance to ensure uninterrupted services throughout the coverage period. Meanwhile, SHA will manage beneficiary registration, provide ongoing support, sensitize communities, and oversee the program’s implementation.
Anticipating increased demand, Murang’a County has expanded its healthcare infrastructure by building and upgrading over 20 hospitals and equipping them with modern facilities. Additionally, the county has introduced 38 telemedicine centers, enabling beneficiaries and residents to access care remotely without extra cost.
“We have hired additional healthcare workers to meet rising demand and equipped our facilities to ensure that every patient receives the highest standards of care,” Kang’ata said.
The Kang’ataCare project reflects the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act 2023, which empowers counties to provide health services to those in need.
Governor Kang’ata expressed optimism that the initiative would serve as a model for other counties in Kenya to emulate, fostering a collective approach to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
