Mombasa Governor Denies Coercion Claims in Medical Equipment Deal, Announces Mass SHA Registration Drive
Mombasa County Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir has refuted claims that county governors were coerced into signing a deal to acquire medical equipment for county hospitals. Speaking to the press yesterday, the governor clarified that the agreement was made during a summit where all county leaders unanimously decided to adopt the equipment supply and paid under the new Shared Health Agenda (SHA) financing model.
Governor Nassir's remarks come in response to allegations made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who suggested that governors were pressured to sign the deal to benefit specific individuals involved in the tender process. Dismissing these allegations, Nassir stated that the arrangement was in the best interest of Mombasa residents and the counties in general, as it saved the county from incurring billions in costs for acquiring medical equipment independently.
“Mombasa County chose to take this deal because it provides our people with access to critical medical services at a sustainable cost,” said Governor Nassir.
The governor also announced plans to launch a mass registration drive for Mombasa residents under the new SHA, also referred to as Taifa Care. He noted that of Mombasa’s 1.2 million residents, only 200,000 are currently enrolled in the program. The registration drive aims to increase coverage, ensuring more residents benefit from the health insurance scheme.
“We are committed to increasing the number of Mombasa residents registered in SHA to ensure they can access quality healthcare and essential medicines,” Nassir added.
The governor was joined by Moses Kuria, the President's senior advisor, who called for patience as the government works to improve the health system. Kuria criticized the corruption that plagued the old National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), emphasizing the need for the transition to SHA to provide better services. He also accused certain individuals of undermining the government's efforts to reform the healthcare sector, referring to an "evil spirit in the ground" obstructing progress.
Governor Nassir also highlighted measures to enhance healthcare delivery in the county. He reiterated that all debts owed to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) have been cleared, ensuring hospitals are adequately stocked with medicines.
“Mombasa County has settled its financial obligations to KEMSA, and there is no reason for any of our hospitals to lack medicine,” he asserted.
Additionally, Nassir announced that the county would no longer allow private clinics to operate outside county hospitals, citing concerns over unethical practices that compromise service delivery to patients.
Kuria underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring universal health coverage, urging all citizens, especially those at the grassroots level, to register under SHA. He stressed that the reforms aim to eliminate corruption, enhance service delivery, and provide Kenyans with access to quality healthcare.
Governor Nassir concluded by emphasizing the importance of the SHA model in transforming healthcare delivery in Mombasa, pledging to work with the national government to achieve the program’s goals.
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