Mombasa: Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir has defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), stating that it continues to provide vital health services to low-income households across the county. The governor made the remarks at Treasury Square while presiding over the issuance of 4,000 national identification cards to Mombasa County residents. He dismissed calls to abolish SHA, noting that it remains the only accessible option for many Kenyans without private insurance.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nassir emphasized the importance of SHA, arguing against its abolition. 'Those calling for the abolition of SHA do not rely on it and do not understand its benefits,' said Nassir. 'We no longer have NHIF, so if SHA is scrapped, where will ordinary Kenyans without private insurance seek treatment?' Instead of dismantling the system, let us point out what needs fixing and improve it, the governor added.
Nassir also announced plans to recruit additional nurses and doctors next month to strengthen service delivery under the SHA. He added that Mombasa County has recorded the highest registration numbers under the scheme and has established a SHA desk at the ID card issuance site to encourage new members. The exercise, supported by the Shariff Nassir Foundation, aims to issue over 8,800 ID cards countywide.
The governor said the initiative will be conducted annually across all 30 wards to ensure no one is left behind. Jomvu MP Badi Twalib lauded the initiative, noting that the lack of identification cards limits access to opportunities. 'Without ID cards, young people cannot secure jobs, access government services, or even move freely without harassment,' he said.
Mombasa County Assembly Majority Leader Priscilla Mumba also praised the programme, saying identification opens doors for employment and travel opportunities. She urged the governor to sustain the initiative, adding that continued issuance of ID cards would benefit more youth across the county.