NPA: Don’t Let Politics Put Your Child’s Health at Risk — Register With SHA Now
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
The National Parents Association (NPA) has urged every parent and caregiver in Kenya to urgently register themselves, their children and eligible dependants with the Social Health Authority (SHA), stressing that healthcare must remain above political differences.
In a statement, NPA National Chairman Silas David Obuhatsa said parents should treat SHA registration as a family responsibility, particularly for children in boarding schools who may fall ill or suffer medical emergencies far from home.
“A political argument can wait. A child’s health cannot.”
The Association said parents should not allow political disagreements surrounding the Government to influence decisions about accessing healthcare for their families.
SHA Is a Necessity for Every Family
NPA emphasised that medical emergencies can occur at any time and that parents may not always be physically available when their children require urgent treatment.
The Association therefore encouraged parents to ask themselves whether they would be prepared if a child developed a serious medical condition or was involved in an accident while away at school.
NPA maintained that healthcare decisions should be guided by the welfare of children rather than political debates, social-media arguments or misinformation.
“SHA Is Working and Improving”
The Association also sought to counter claims that SHA is not functioning, saying the programme is operational and that Kenyans are accessing healthcare through the system.
While acknowledging that challenges remain, NPA said large-scale programmes require continuous improvement and that the Government and SHA leadership are working to address operational and service-delivery concerns.
The Association noted that SHA has moved beyond the 80 per cent mark in its implementation and coverage efforts, describing this as significant progress that should encourage more families to register.
NPA Commends Health Leadership
NPA commended Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga and SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi for efforts to strengthen healthcare financing, expand coverage, improve digital systems and address operational challenges.
The Association urged parents to cooperate with the Ministry of Health and SHA as the system continues to evolve.
Parents Urged to Use Official Information
NPA further called on parents to obtain SHA information from the Ministry of Health, SHA and other authorised Government channels instead of relying on political rumours, misinformation and social-media speculation.
Parents were urged to:
- Register themselves with SHA.
- Register their children and eligible dependants.
- Verify their information.
- Keep their details updated.
- Understand how SHA services work.
- Seek assistance from authorised officials when facing registration challenges.
- Rely on official health information.
NPA stressed that parents should not wait for a medical emergency before ensuring their families are covered.
“Our Children Must Come First”
The Association concluded by urging Kenyans to separate political differences from healthcare decisions, noting that children have no control over when or where they may fall sick.
“Do not allow politics to stand between your family and healthcare,” NPA said, reaffirming its support for efforts to strengthen SHA and make Universal Health Coverage a reality for all Kenyans.
SHA is working. SHA is improving. Millions of Kenyans are already benefiting. Let us all register and make the system even stronger.
