Itumbi laments artistes’ failure to register on SHA at Betty Bayo’s burial planning meeting

Head of Presidential Special Projects and the Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi, has expressed frustration over the failure of many artistes to register on the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Speaking during the third day of funeral preparations for celebrated gospel artiste Betty Bayo at the Bluesprings hotel on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Itumbi highlighted that he frequently receives calls from artistes while they are hospitalised, only to learn that they are not enrolled on SHA.

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He noted that despite repeated reminders about the importance of registration, many artistes continue to neglect it, leaving themselves vulnerable to high medical costs and limited access to care when emergencies arise.

“I appreciate what the doctor has said and I hope you have taken note, especially on the registration of SHA. Some of you call me when you are in hospital, and the first question I ask is: are you registered on SHA? Despite hearing this many times, most of you have not registered. I have not received a request from any artiste who is in hospital who is registered on SHA, yet we hear the most from you and sometimes we are the ones speaking the most,” Itumbi said.

Itumbi likened the choice to register on SHA to faith, explaining that it is better to be prepared in advance rather than face regrets later.

He urged artistes to take responsibility for their healthcare, noting that it is safer to be registered and covered under SHA rather than relying on ad-hoc interventions or emergency payments when illness strikes.

“When you go home today, there is something I was taught in Sunday school which I find a good lesson: you would rather believe in God and when you transit to the afterlife meet Him with no regrets than vice versa. It is the same challenge you guys have with SHA. You might doubt it and say whatever it is about IT, but register. The day you are sick, you would rather be registered than not be registered,” he noted.

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Itumbi also donated Ksh150,000 to support the family of the songstress, who passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, after a prolonged battle with acute leukaemia and excessive bleeding.

Her burial is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Ndumberi Stadium, where the main service will take place, and attendees will be served food.

The third day of funeral meetings, held at Blue Springs Hotel, attracted a wide array of public figures who came to pay their respects and assist with the arrangements.

Among those present were one-man guitarist and Mugiithi singer Waithaka Wa Jane, gospel singer Shiru wa GP, Facebook influencer Karangu Muraya, evangelist Lucy wa Ngujiri, and several other family friends and associates of Betty Bayo.