Kindiki: SHIF is here to stay, there's no turning back
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki makes his remarks during Kenya Medical Training College's 93rd graduation ceremony at Kasarani Sports Complex on December 05, 2024.
What you need to know:
- The DP said comprehensive data collected through SHIF under Taifa Care will transform health planning and budgeting.
- Prof Kindiki said the biometric registration will enhance accountability and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government’s health sector reforms, insisting there is no turning back on the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), also known as Taifa Care, despite early hurdles.
Prof Kindiki defended the reforms as necessary to fulfill the health aspirations of Kenyans under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“I have no doubt, as President Ruto has stated before, that we shall stand vindicated. As a responsible government, we remain open to ideas and proposals that will better improve the roll out and implementation of our transformation agenda for the sector. What is clear however is the conviction to see these reforms through. There is no turning back,” the Deputy President said.
He was speaking at the 93rd Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) graduation ceremony in Kasarani.
Prof Kindiki said that the comprehensive data collected through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under Taifa Care will transform health planning and budgeting by providing insights into disease trends and prevalence.
He said the biometric registration will enhance transparency and accountability, ensuring equitable distribution of resources across public and private facilities.
“I am convinced that we are responding to the health aspirations of Kenyans as demanded of us during the county economic forums. Whereas some teething challenges have impacted the seamless transition of some of these reforms, especially as regards the transition from the NHIF to Taifa Care, the perfect should not become the enemy of the good,” he said.
Prof Kindiki further noted that the Government’s international labour mobility initiative will serve as an additional opportunity to support graduands who wish to explore employment options abroad.
“We remain deeply committed to creating jobs for our young people, and KMTC is playing its part in this agenda. I am informed that the College equips its students with the skills necessary to transition into local and international job markets. Programmes such as the National Council Licensure Examination Training for those seeking opportunities abroad, basic foreign language courses, and pre-departure training ensure our graduates are competitive globally,” he said.
He further urged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity, emphasizing that their role as healthcare professionals extends beyond medical practice to being ambassadors of integrity and social responsibility.
"You are the future of Kenya, and as you embark on this journey, remember that your actions will shape the country’s health sector and its future," Prof Kindiki advised.
The Deputy President pointed out the vital role healthcare professionals play in the well-being of the nation. He described the healthcare profession as one that requires empathy, patience, and a deep commitment to serving humanity, particularly in times of vulnerability.
“You are not only professionals in the medical field, but you are also stewards of health, serving those in their most fragile states," he stated.
The Deputy President also underscored the importance of the health workforce in achieving the Universal Health Coverage, with KMTC playing a pivotal role by supplying thousands of healthcare professionals each year.
“KMTC continues to provide over 66,000 active students who support health facilities across the country. Every year, the College graduates over 20,000 health professionals, strengthening the healthcare system, particularly in remote areas,” he noted.
