By;Emmanuel Kyengo
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has called on the Senate Standing Committee on Health to provide detailed clarification on the implementation of Kang’ata Care, a health insurance programme launched by the Murang’a County Government.
Senator Nyutu raised concerns over the management and accountability of Ksh 172 million paid by Kang’ata Care to the Social Health Authority (SHA), seeking a detailed breakdown of how the funds have been utilized and how many households have benefited from the initiative.
Speaking on the floor of the House at the Busia County Assembly on Wednesday, 8th October, the senator emphasized the need for transparency in the handling of public resources.
“The people of Murang’a deserve transparency on how these funds are being used. Kang’ata Care was launched to ease the burden of healthcare costs for poor households, but we must ensure that every shilling reaches the intended beneficiaries,” he said.
The senator explained that Kang’ata Care, introduced in 2023, is a partnership between the Murang’a County Government and Britam Insurance, designed to provide inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and last expense benefits to enrolled families.
Kang’ata Care pays an annual premium per household in Murang’a County with the aim of making quality healthcare accessible to all residents, regardless of their financial background.
The programme recently earned top honours at the 2024 African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) Innovative Management Awards, securing a Gold Medal for its transformative approach.
Senator Nyutu reiterated that while Kang’ata Care is a commendable county initiative that could transform healthcare access, proper oversight is vital to prevent misuse of funds and to ensure that the programme achieves its intended objectives.
“If managed well, Kang’ata Care could serve as a model for other counties across Kenya, but proper oversight and transparency are key to ensuring that such programmes truly serve the people,” he noted.