By Betty Luke
The National Independent Churches of Africa (NICA) Mission Diocese clerics have appealed to the government to expedite streamlining the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to avert further loss of lives as a majority of Kenyans continue to share their frustrations using the new system.
Led by Bishop Stephen Kalunyu, the clergy said while the system was working well in some parts of the country, patients in majority of the counties were still struggling and being forced to pay in cash despite having being onboarded to the insurance.
“We have lost lives and do not wish to lose more. Many Kenyans especially those from poor backgrounds are worried how they will access health services in case they fall ill,” he noted.
Deacon Doris Karambu said the government should expedite streamlining the system as it was the case with impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“The recent impeachment happened in less than a month meaning if there is goodwill by the duty bearers, then the health insurance system can be streamlined within shortest time possible,” she said noting that expectant women were living in fear wondering whether the insurance would support their delivery.
Reverend Jesee Mwiti faulted the government over what he termed as over-taxation to the civil servants noting that net pay for the government employees could not sufficiently sustain them.
“If the government must tax us this much then they should be kind enough to increase our salaries because we are seriously suffering,” noted the cleric who is also a teacher.
The leaders also called on parents and guardians to monitor their children during the long holidays to ensure they are not recruited into unlawful groups or subjected to human rights violations due to their vulnerability.
They said young girls risked Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages while young boys would be easily lured into drug abuse, violent extremism and other vices if parents were irresponsible.
Bishop Kalunyu reiterated that the church was keen to safeguard the rights of children regardless of their background and urged local residents to report human rights violations against their children for legal action.
