Sabina Chege defends medical choices, cites private insurance
By Faith Lagat, July 25, 2025Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege has reignited debate on medical choices and healthcare sustainability in Kenya, stating that while she supports the right to seek private treatment, public funds must be used responsibly.
Speaking during an appearance on K24 TV on Friday, July 25, 2025, Chege clarified that although she has never travelled abroad for medical care, she would not hesitate to do so using her own money.
“I have never left the country to get treatment, but if I wanted to, I would with my own money,” she said, noting that personal choice should not be vilified.
“All my annual check-ups, I do them at KUTRH,” she added, referring to Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Chege criticised the backlash public officers often face for seeking medical attention abroad, saying it’s unjustified when personal or privately covered expenses are involved.
“I have seen people castigate public officers for going outside the country for medical support, but if you are using your own money, then why not?” she posed. “Nobody is telling you not to use private means because health again is a right, and I will not curtail you.”
However, she drew a sharp line when it comes to treatment funded by public resources.
Calls for responsible use of public funds
Chege emphasised that public servants whose medical costs are covered by taxpayer-funded insurance must prioritise public health facilities.
“If you are using the medical card, the insurance card paid by the exchequer, then use it where the exchequer needs the money more—that is in public facilities,” she said.
She further used the platform to defend the Social Health Authority (SHA) deductions, saying they provide a more reliable alternative to the widespread reliance on medical harambees.
“And for me, I’d rather have money deducted from my salary every month—let’s say Ksh30,000—instead of attending harambees five or ten or twenty every weekend. It is not affordable,” she said, reflecting on the emotional and financial toll families face in times of illness.
Chege admitted that the SHA system is not without its flaws, particularly in how funds are reimbursed to health service providers. “These systems are to call out the implementers. We need an overhaul in implementation,” she stated, calling for a more equitable and transparent approach that ensures payments reach both private and public hospitals fairly.
Her comments reflect the growing push to strike a balance between safeguarding personal rights and ensuring collective responsibility in the healthcare sector.