Government’s spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, has disclosed that the government has set specific mechanisms to block hustler fund defaulters from registering for the SHA health coverage.
Mwaura emphasized that the approximately KSh 6 billion in unpaid Hustler Fund loans is a huge chunk of money that the government intends to recover in order to fund development. Aside from ensuring repayment, he noted the strategy will also create a financial link between Hustler Fund and SHA contributions.
“The hustler fund is good, it allows citizens to pay their SHA dues yearly which benefits us more,” said Isaac Mwaura
Mwaura also outlined government strategies for ensuring a smooth rollout of the SHA registration and compliance process while also encouraging low income earners to embrace the Lipa SHA Pole Pole initiative, which collects over KSh 30 million daily, as a model that enables them to pay gradually without experiencing financial strain.
“There are those who lack jobs that pay monthly. The Lipa SHA Pole Pole is a way for them to pay with less financial stress,” stated the Spokesperson.
According to Mwaura, SHA registers over 50,000 people daily, and their contributions have allowed the program to repay over KSh 18 billion of the KSh 33 billion NHIF debt.
In conclusion, Mwaura reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage through SHA, which he described as the best-performing insurance scheme in Kenya.
