Representatives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from the South Rift have raised concerns over what they describe as discrimination under the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the current system has made access to healthcare more difficult for many members.
Speaking in Kericho, Pastor Richard arap Mutai, an official representing PWDs at the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), lamented the challenges faced by persons with disabilities while seeking medical care.
He said the SHA premium structure was discriminatory and was exposing PWDs to additional hardships.
“We call upon the national government to provide free medical care to people living with disabilities. As of now, PWDs are facing serious challenges while trying to access medical care. Their health assessment services should also be made available closer to where they live,” said Mutai.
Call for lower premiums
He was speaking during a sensitization meeting on malaria and its impact on persons with disabilities at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Centre in Kericho.
Other participants also complained about what they described as high SHA premiums generated through the mobile registration process.
“We urge the government to either provide free medical care or peg the lowest premium at KSh 300. This would be reasonable for those who earn some income, while those without any source of income should receive free medical care,” he said.
Counties urged to implement disability provisions
The concerns come months after county governments were urged to implement provisions relating to free medical services, free assessments, and adequate sign language interpretation services for persons with disabilities in public health facilities.
A circular addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Governors was received on August 27, 2025, but speakers claimed that many counties have yet to fully implement the recommendations.
Constitutional rights highlighted
Participants also cited a motion tabled by nominated Mombasa County Assembly Member Solomon Ngugi, which invoked Article 43 of the Constitution on the right to the highest attainable standard of health and Article 54 on the rights of persons with disabilities to dignity, equality, and accessibility.
The motion was subsequently adopted by the Mombasa County Assembly.
READ ALSO:
PWD representatives are now calling on both the national and county governments to take urgent steps to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare services for all persons living with disabilities.
By Benedict Ng’etich
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
