Kenya’s political landscape was shaken when National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah openly disagreed with President William Ruto on the proposed Social Health Authority (SHA). The outspoken MP’s remarks, captured in the phrase “Haifanyi” (It doesn’t work), signaled growing internal rifts within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
SHA, a new health financing model, aims to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) with a system that the government claims will ensure universal healthcare for all Kenyans. However, Ichung’wah’s opposition suggests there may be deeper concerns about its viability, funding, or implementation.
During a recent public engagement, Ichung’wah made it clear that he does not fully support SHA in its current form, arguing that it may not deliver the expected results. His position contradicts Ruto’s firm endorsement of the initiative, which the president has championed as part of his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The disagreement has sparked debate within Kenya Kwanza and beyond. Some see Ichung’wah’s stance as a reflection of genuine concerns about the policy’s feasibility, while others speculate that it could indicate emerging political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Critics argue that the government should first address inefficiencies in NHIF before launching SHA. Meanwhile, Ruto’s allies insist that the new authority will streamline health services and ensure all Kenyans access quality care.
As the debate unfolds, Ichung’wah’s bold stance raises questions about unity within Ruto’s administration and whether Kenya Kwanza leaders are willing to challenge key government policies publicly.
By Nairobi