Why Siaya residents are struggling to register for SHA

Residents in Siaya County are encountering obstacles while enrolling in the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, according to reports. Misunderstandings surrounding registration fees, unplanned deductions from mobile phone accounts, and absent identification documents are among the issues preventing local people from fully joining the new scheme.

Despite government initiatives to register low-income populations, many visitors to local health centers, such as Ligega Health Centre, express feeling overwhelmed by financial obligations and lingering confusion regarding the shift from the previous National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). Grace Janet Auma, a resident of Ombwede, revealed she had to pay out of pocket for medical services as she was not registered under SHA.

Despite desiring to register to reduce future healthcare expenses, Auma mentioned lacking a national identity card during the registration drive, which hindered her from completing the process. Former NHIF subscribers, like William Ogot of Kanyiner, face additional financial confusion. Ogot, who previously paid Ksh300 monthly under NHIF while employed, now struggles due to unemployment.

Local registration officials informed him that his monthly contribution would increase to Ksh600, which he finds challenging without a regular income. Some residents harbor distrust towards mobile wallet deductions. Peter Ogutu Nyalalo claimed that after paying Ksh2,400 for four months, he discovered a Ksh4,800 outstanding debt upon checking his status at a medical facility.

He also noted that subsequent airtime top-ups on his mobile phone were automatically deducted, discouraging him from seeking further hospital care. Healthcare officials acknowledge misinformation and documentation gaps as significant barriers. Sharon Akinyi Omondi, an SHA registration clerk at Ligega Health Centre, mentioned that while turnout is gradually increasing, misconceptions still deter residents.

She explained that many fear automatic deductions from their phones or the financial strain of paying with no income. She added that missing requirements, including national identity cards and active Safaricom lines, further impede daily registration efforts. Despite these challenges, Ugunja MP Moses Omondi highlighted the need for affordable healthcare and called for clearer public communication and simpler registration processes to assist vulnerable households in accessing the scheme.

President William Ruto recently defended SHA, citing a surge in registrations to 33.3 million Kenyans from seven million in 2022. He revealed that the government has allocated Ksh107 billion to healthcare facilities since January 1, 2026, enabling them to procure necessary medicines and supplies. However, Siaya residents' concerns underscore the necessity for effective public education, clear guidance on contributions, and accessible registration services.