Catholic bishops have thrown their weight behind the government’s Social Health Authority (SHA), calling it a major step toward achieving affordable, accessible healthcare for all Kenyans.
Speaking on Sunday, June 22, 2025, during a diocesan health outreach event, Embu Diocese Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u confirmed that Catholic priests and church institutions have already registered under the SHA system and are beginning to benefit from the program.
Bishop Ndung’u encouraged Christians across the country to follow suit, framing the initiative as both a moral responsibility and a matter of social justice.
“SHA is working. We, Catholic priests, are already enrolled and benefiting,” he told congregants.
“It is key to quality and affordable healthcare for all, and we urge all Christians to register and support this vital national initiative for the well-being of families and communities.”
The SHA officially launched on October 1, 2024, replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). While the system has faced logistical challenges since its rollout, Bishop Ndung’u expressed confidence that the long-term benefits outweigh early setbacks.
“Access to healthcare is not a privilege; it is a human right,” he said.
“The SHA aligns with the Church’s social teaching, especially the principle of the common good. We cannot turn a blind eye when a mother cannot afford to take her child to the hospital, or when the elderly suffer ibecause of medical bills.”
Catholic Church Slams Governance Failures
However, while Catholic leaders support the SHA’s goals, they remain deeply concerned about broader issues affecting national governance under President William Ruto’s administration.
“We support the SHA, yes. But this support must not be interpreted as silence on other pressing issues,” Bishop Ndung’u clarified.
“We remain deeply troubled by recent killings, some of which bear signs of state involvement, and the lack of transparency in how public affairs are being managed. You cannot build trust in one sector while eroding it in others.”
He also acknowledged that many Kenyans remain wary of SHA due to past failures associated with NHIF and other government-run medical schemes. Still, he believes the Church’s endorsement can help bridge the trust gap, especially in rural areas and deeply religious communities.
“We urge the faithful not to be misled by political confusion,” he said.
“Good initiatives must be supported, even as we continue to hold our leaders to account. It is not contradictory to support healthcare reform and still demand justice, truth, and ethical governance.”
