In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility, Nairobi City County has announced plans to enroll members of cooperatives and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOS) in the Social Health Insurance (SHA) program.

This strategic move is designed to boost health coverage for the city’s informal sector, which plays a pivotal role in Kenya’s economy.

During a capacity building and sensitization workshop held in Machakos, Nairobi’s County Executive for Business and Hustler Opportunities, Dr. Anastacia Nyalita, emphasized the significance of this program. 

“Nairobi County accounts for 60% of all cooperatives and SACCOS in Kenya. This organized sector is crucial to increasing participation in our health schemes.” She stated.

The innovative strategy aims to designate members of the organized groups as remitting entities for annual and monthly insurance premiums to SHA. 

By doing so, the initiative is poised to provide health coverage for over 500,000 households, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to necessary medical services.

The target sectors include Matatu (Public transport), Boda Boda (Motorcycle taxis), Mama Bonga (Informal food vendors), Jua Kali (Informal artisans), Mitumba (Second-hand clothing vendors), and various worker cooperatives. 

This comprehensive approach is touted as a solution to the long-standing challenges faced in enrolling the informal sector into health insurance schemes.

As the city embarks on this transformative journey, the Nairobi County government aims to set a precedent for similar initiatives across the nation, fostering a healthier, more secure future for all Kenyans.