Kindiki defends SHA, urges leaders and clergy to preach unity

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki arrives at Korr African Inland Church (AIC) in Laisamis, Marsabit County, on November 24, 2024. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the Government is committed to ensure better health services uder the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Prof Kindiki who spoke after service at AIC Korr in Marsabit county, Sunday, said despite the challenges in SHA rollout the national government will ensure it succeeds.

Kindiki who was acompanied by a section of MPs and Marsabit MCAs, said SHA was designed to achieve equality in access to health care.

"We have introduced a new health system which will ensure the people who have less resources have access to proper health care, just like the rich," said the DP.

"There are a few challenges. Right now as we speak, those with chronic illnesses and emergency cases are not having a lot of problems," he added.

The DP admitted the challenges were being experienced in the outpatient departments and at the Level 2 and Level facilities which have inadequate diagnostic equipment.
"Those problems, we will finish them and SHA is going to work for the benefit of the people of Kenyans."

At the same time Kindiki assured Kenyans that President William Ruto’s administration was working to make the education system a success.

"We will ensure it responds to the needs of the people of Kenya," he said.

He urged leaders of communities, politicians and the clergy to preach unity for the country to move forward and achieve development goals.

The DP said President Ruto is committed to fulfilling development pledges, and asked leaders to be patriotic and champion for national cohesion and unity.

"This government will not let Kenyans down. We will make you proud," he said.

However, Kindiki asked Kenyans to give the government time to progressively develop the country.

"Because there is no Government that has all the resources to solve all issues at once," he said.

At the same time the DP urged leaders and the clergy to stop unwarranted attacks against the government.

He said for the country to overcome the challenges all leaders must preach unity to create a conducive environment for the country to develop.

"A country is not built by empty rhetoric nor by politics of divisions and tribalism. It is built by propagating cohesion among all the people," he said.

"All leaders have the liberty to present opinion on how to make Kenya move forward. But they must do it with love and patriotism. Let us not be disrespectful and inciteful," he said.

"We must resolve all our problems as a country with love, diplomatically, quietly, and with understanding with one another. The means of resolving what remains is to unite and love our country. That is the only way we can build this country."

Kindiki announced that in addition to the security measures he put in place to contain cattle rustling and banditry in Marsabit during his tenure as Internal Cabinet Secretary, the government will deploy 200 National Police Reservists to the region.

He said the Rapid Deployment Unit will be deployed to areas hard hit by insecurity.

Leaders present were MPs Naomi Waqo (Marsabit Woman Rep), John Lekuton (Laisamis), Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale), John Bwire (Taveta) and John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South).