Govt Sets 27-Day Deadline for Parents to Register Students Under SHA
The Kenyan government has set a strict 27-day deadline for parents and guardians to ensure their school-going children are registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), a program designed to provide healthcare coverage to all students. The Ministry of Education has emphasized that schools must inform parents about the registration process and offer necessary support to ensure full compliance before the deadline, which is set for February 28, 2025.
Government’s Commitment to Healthcare Access
The registration process is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every Kenyan citizen, including children, has access to affordable healthcare.
Ensuring Universal Healthcare for Children
As per the constitutional framework, every child in the country is entitled to be registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), which forms the backbone of the government’s health services outreach.
Reinforcing Constitutional Rights
In a communication to county and sub-county directors of education, PS Kipsang reiterated that the initiative aligns with the constitutional right of all citizens to healthcare. The government views this program as essential to securing the well-being of future generations.
The Role of Schools and Parents
The government has urged all schools to immediately inform parents about the registration process, which requires parents to accompany their children to school for enrollment.
Challenges Faced by Parents
This could be challenging for some parents, requiring them to take time off work or travel long distances to school. However, it is a critical step to ensure their children are included in the government’s healthcare program.
Encouraging Full Participation
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, during the launch of the program in Mombasa on January 24, emphasized the importance of full participation, encouraging parents to ensure their children are registered under the Taifa Care program.
Disruption of School Activities
The exercise will temporarily halt normal school activities, allowing Community Health Promoters to conduct the registrations. The government acknowledges the disruption but believes this initiative is essential for long-term health benefits for children.
Taifa Care: A New Health Coverage Program
The push for registration is part of the government’s broader healthcare initiative, which aims to offer universal health coverage to all Kenyans, particularly students.
Transition from EduAfya to Taifa Care
The Taifa Care program will replace EduAfya, which was previously available only to secondary school students under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The new scheme expands coverage to all primary and secondary students, including those in both public and private schools.
A Broader Scope of Coverage
This shift ensures that all students, regardless of their school type, benefit from government-sponsored healthcare. The new health scheme offers a broader range of services than EduAfya.
Part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Goals
The introduction of Taifa Care is a crucial step toward achieving the government’s long-term goal of universal health coverage for all citizens, ensuring that every child is covered under the national health scheme.
Impact on Schools and Communities
The registration exercise will involve schools nationwide, requiring parents to travel to their children’s schools to complete the registration process.
Logistical Challenges
The initiative has raised concerns about the logistical challenges it may create for parents, particularly those in remote areas who must travel long distances to the nearest school.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite these challenges, the government is committed to ensuring the success of the program, stressing that the long-term health benefits for children outweigh the temporary disruptions to education. Schools are urged to cooperate with local health officers to facilitate the process.
Next Steps for Parents and Schools
Parents and guardians must act swiftly to ensure their children are registered before the deadline of February 28, 2025.
Supporting the Registration Process
Schools are expected to assist parents by providing registration forms, helping with required documents, and offering guidance for the online registration process. This will ensure that no child is left behind due to lack of access to technology.
Including Children as Dependents
The government has emphasized that all learners must be listed as dependents in the Taifa Care program to guarantee access to healthcare services when needed.
