Speaking during a public address on healthcare reforms, the Head of State said the new system is aimed at ensuring every Kenyan can access affordable and quality medical services regardless of their financial status.
Ruto maintained that the reforms are intended to replace the challenges that had long plagued the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which faced criticism over inefficiency, corruption allegations, delayed payments, and unequal access to healthcare services.
According to the President, the SHA framework is designed to create a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes ordinary citizens.
The President noted that millions of Kenyans had for years struggled to access treatment due to high medical costs, forcing families into debt or fundraising campaigns to pay hospital bills.
He argued that the new reforms will reduce the burden on households while ensuring healthcare facilities receive timely payments for services rendered.
Ruto dismissed critics of the reforms, accusing some political leaders and interest groups of spreading misinformation to derail a program that he said is intended to benefit vulnerable Kenyans.
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He insisted that resistance to the reforms is expected whenever major changes are introduced, but emphasized that the government remains committed to fully implementing the new healthcare model.
Under the Social Health Authority system, Kenyans are expected to contribute based on their income levels, with vulnerable and low-income citizens receiving government support.
The administration says the reforms will expand universal health coverage by ensuring more citizens are registered and can access treatment in both public and private hospitals across the country.
Health sector stakeholders have, however, raised concerns over the transition process, registration requirements, and the preparedness of hospitals to fully adopt the new digital systems.
Some Kenyans have also complained about delays in accessing services and confusion surrounding the rollout of the program.
Despite the concerns, Ruto assured the country that the government is addressing implementation challenges and improving systems to ensure the reforms succeed.
He said the long-term benefits of the program will outweigh the current difficulties being experienced during the transition phase.
The President further called on Kenyans to register under the new health scheme, saying the reforms are critical in building a stronger and fairer healthcare system for future generations.
He reiterated that healthcare is a constitutional right and pledged that no Kenyan should be denied treatment because of lack of money.
