Ruto: Registering for SHIF will help us know the number of citizens

President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), saying it is a crucial step in transforming the country’s healthcare system. He explained that proper registration will help the government accurately determine the number of citizens and plan health services accordingly.

Speaking on Saturday, July 12, 2025, during the 9th edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Program, President Ruto emphasised that data from SHIF registration would guide the distribution of essential medical resources across the country.

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“Registering is the first step,” he said.

“Kwanza ukijiandikisha, ndio unatusaidia tujue idadi ya wananchi.“

Translation: First, when you register, you help us know the number of citizens.

“If we know how many citizens there are, we can plan how many doctors we need, how much medicine, and what kind of equipment to send to each hospital.”

The President noted that the previous healthcare system faced major challenges due to a lack of accurate data and poor planning. With the new SHIF structure in place, the government hopes to deliver more effective and reliable services, especially in public hospitals.

“We must ensure that seeking medical care no longer becomes a burden to Kenyan citizens,” Ruto said. “That’s why we are working hard to fix the system from the ground up.”

Ruto pushes health registration

The SHIF scheme, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), is a major part of the Ruto administration’s plan to deliver Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Unlike NHIF, SHIF is structured to provide access to healthcare for every Kenyan, including those in informal sectors and vulnerable communities.

The President also assured citizens that low-income families will receive government support to ensure no one is left out. The Ministry of Health, under Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, has been working with county governments to roll out registration and improve hospital infrastructure nationwide.

“We are not just building hospitals; we are building a working system,” Ruto said. “But for that system to work, Kenyans must play their part by registering.”

His message was clear, no health plan can succeed without citizen participation. By registering, Kenyans help the government plan better, avoid medicine and staff shortages, and build a healthcare system that truly works for all.