Government Announces Major Healthcare, Foreign Relations, and Fisheries Initiatives

 Reporting by Jameson Mutua 

Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. Dr Isaac Mwaura During the Weekly Press Briefing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi on Wednesday. Picture:Courtesy 

Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura, CBS, Government Spokesperson, on Wednesday unveiled key developments in Kenya’s health, foreign relations, and fisheries sectors during a press briefing at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The announcements included progress on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformational Agenda (BETA Plan), strategic partnerships with Germany and China, and infrastructural investments in the Blue Economy.

Social Health Authority (SHA) Launched

As part of the government's BETA Plan, Hon. Sen. Mwaura emphasized the importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in achieving sustainable healthcare for all Kenyans. The Social Health Authority (SHA) has been established to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), addressing long-standing challenges in health financing.

"The SHA is designed to ensure every adult Kenyan contributes to a sustainable healthcare fund, granting access to critical healthcare services," Mwaura said. He highlighted the four pillars of the SHA system: Sustainable Health Financing, Effective Supply of Healthcare Products and Technologies (HPT), Adequate Healthcare Workforce, and Integrated Health Information Systems.

The SHA aims to provide comprehensive coverage, including chronic diseases, maternal care, and newborn care. Mwaura outlined the benefits of SHA over NHIF, which often required community fundraising efforts. He called on all Kenyans to register with SHA to gain access to a wide range of services, including consultation, diagnostics, and treatments at various healthcare facilities across the country.

Strengthening International Relations

In foreign affairs, Mwaura spoke about President William Ruto's efforts to elevate Kenya’s international standing through strategic partnerships.

The recently signed Labour Mobility Partnership Agreement between Kenya and Germany offers new avenues for Kenyans to work and study in Germany. The agreement, signed on September 13, 2024, includes provisions for student exchanges, apprenticeships, and skilled labor migration, particularly in the IT sector.

In addition, Kenya’s membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was confirmed. This membership opens access to concessional funding for infrastructure, climate change initiatives, and technological advancements. Mwaura also announced several infrastructure development agreements reached with China, including expansions of the Standard Gauge Railway and the Galana-Kulalu Irrigation Project.

Fisheries and Blue Economy Developments

Mwaura highlighted the government's commitment to expanding the Blue Economy and Fisheries subsectors. This includes the completion of landing sites along the Kenyan coast and Lake Victoria to boost local fishing communities. Projects valued at Ksh. 163.8 million are underway in Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River, and Lamu counties, with further developments planned for Lake Victoria at a cost of Ksh. 1.5 billion.

To meet global demand for fish products, the government has also supported 100 Smallholder Aquaculture Groups (SAGs), providing materials and training to smallholder farmers. In total, Ksh. 3.2 billion in grants has been distributed to 1,263 Common Interest Groups (CIGs), which include youth, women, and community-based organizations.

Despite these advancements, the sector continues to face challenges from Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing. The government has enhanced its surveillance capabilities, deploying patrol boats and distributing 123 fishing boats to local communities to protect Kenya’s waters.

The government’s latest initiatives mark significant progress in ensuring health, economic, and environmental security for the nation.





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