The government has announced that learning in schools across Kenya will be temporarily disrupted to allow for the registration of students under the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, known as Taifa Care. This new initiative is part of the country’s ongoing effort to enroll all citizens in the national health coverage system.
The process, which started on Thursday in Mombasa, will be carried out nationwide with the help of Community Health Promoters. Parents are required to accompany their children to school for registration, making it necessary for families to travel to ensure their children are signed up for the program. This is a part of the government’s push to include students of all educational levels, from public to private schools, in the health system.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba emphasized the importance of this program at the launch, highlighting that a healthy nation is key to national development. The exercise also includes data collection for students who do not have birth certificates, allowing the Ministry of Interior to begin issuing them.
Last year, the government made it mandatory for all school-going children to register as dependents under the new health plan, which is part of the broader Universal Health Coverage initiative. Unlike the previous EduAfya scheme that only covered secondary school students, SHA aims to provide health coverage for all learners across the country.
Despite some challenges with the rollout, President William Ruto has assured that registration is free, with the government covering costs for those who cannot afford it.
By Newshub