KMPDU’s Miskellah slams those criticising SHA but rush registration when sick

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Deputy Secretary General Dennis Miskellah has criticised Kenyans who dismiss the Social Health Authority (SHA) but rush to register for the scheme whenever illness strikes their families.

Through a post on X on Saturday, September 20, 2025, Miskellah said Kenyans should stop being hypocritical by dismissing the Social Health Authority (SHA) as ineffective, yet rushing to register when in need.

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He asked why people would continue saying the scheme is not working, but depend on it at the point of crisis.

“If SHA is not working, then why do you rush to register your loved ones whenever they fall sick? Acheni unafiki!!” he stated.

Also watch: Miskellah says SHA at risk over reliance on private hospitals

Call for waiting period

Miskellah went further, warning that tougher rules could soon be enforced to discourage opportunism.

“Very soon we are going to insist on a WAITING PERIOD so that responsible patriots like us don’t pay for disingenuous folks like you,” he said.

A waiting period would mean that new members cannot immediately access services after registration. Instead, they would have to contribute for a set time before qualifying for benefits, preventing last-minute registrations only when facing huge medical bills.

The comments follow months of complaints from citizens who have questioned the effectiveness of the Social Health Authority (SHA), with many claiming the system is slow and unreliable.

The statement also came a day after President William Ruto unveiled the SHA Sponsorship Programme, an initiative expected to benefit more than 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans.

Also watch: Ruto launches SHA sponsorship to cover 2.2M Kenyans

The scheme will give them access to free medical services, including inpatient, outpatient, maternity, emergency, mental health, and critical illness care, under the Universal Health Coverage agenda.

Ruto emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring affordable healthcare for all citizens, regardless of income.

“We made an irrevocable commitment to deliver Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans, regardless of their economic status. Today, we have taken another significant step in fulfilling that pledge,” he stated.