Uasin Gishu County’s Health Services Executive, Joseph Lagat, has called on all local health facilities to fully operationalize the Social Health Authority (SHA). This bold step aims to bring affordable and equitable health services closer to you — whether you’re in Langas, Huruma, Kapseret, or near Eldoret CBD.
Why the Social Health Authority Matters
The Social Health Authority (SHA) is a national initiative introduced to simplify and unify how Kenyans access public healthcare. Under this system:
- Services are standardized and more affordable
- Costs are pooled to protect citizens from high medical bills
- Residents get equal access to quality healthcare, regardless of income level
According to Mr. Lagat, Eldoret’s participation is non-negotiable if the county wants to meet the goal of universal health coverage (UHC).
“No one should be left behind when it comes to health. Every facility must come on board so that all residents — from the city center to remote villages — can benefit,” Lagat said during a Monday meeting with the County Health Management Team.
The Push for Compliance: What’s Expected
All public and private health centers in Eldoret and across Uasin Gishu are being asked to:
- Register with SHA and integrate their services into the system
- Educate patients on how to access benefits under SHA
- Update their billing and service models to reflect SHA policies
- Ensure transparency and timely reporting for accountability
These steps are not just technical. They’re about delivering real health benefits to residents — especially in places like Pioneer Estate, Elgon View, and Munyaka.
Voices From the Health Leadership
The call to action isn’t coming from one office alone.
- Dr. Paul Wangwe, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, emphasized the ethical responsibility:“This is more than a policy directive — it’s a moral responsibility. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.”
- Dr. Evans Kiprotich, Director of Health Services, echoed the need for unity in implementation, highlighting that fragmented systems will only slow progress.
What It Means for You as a Resident
If you live near Eldoret, here’s how this affects you:
- Faster, fairer care at public hospitals and clinics
- Lower out-of-pocket expenses for basic and chronic treatment
- More trust and accountability from your local health providers
- Better planning for emergencies and long-term health needs
Final Word: Time to Make It Happen
Joseph Lagat’s message is clear — the time for talking is over. Now, it’s time to act. Eldoret cannot afford to lag behind in rolling out one of the most transformative healthcare reforms in Kenya’s history.
With the Social Health Authority, the county is taking a bold step toward ensuring every resident — young or old, rich or poor — gets quality, dignified care.
