Defence CS Aden Duale assured lawmakers that the Social Health Authority (SHA) system is now fully operational, with thousands of Kenyans registering daily. Appearing before the National Assembly’s Health Committee, Duale said over 5,000 people had enrolled by the morning of the session and projected numbers to surpass 10,000 by day’s end.
He addressed concerns over two key regulations—Digital Health (Health Information Management Procedures) and Digital Health (Data Exchange Component) for 2025—aimed at creating an integrated digital health system while protecting personal data.
Duale highlighted the introduction of USSD code *147# to facilitate registration as Kenya transitions from NHIF to SHIF. MPs commended the progress but called for intensified public awareness and clearer service information at health facilities. They also proposed labelling facilities by service level to guide patients better.
The CS noted that the digital law will improve service delivery, enhance efficiency, and help eliminate quack practitioners in the sector.
