The County Government of Turkana, in partnership with Amref Health Africa through the Transcend Project, has launched a four-day sensitisation exercise aimed at increasing registration with the Social Health Authority (SHA) and improving access to healthcare services.
The campaign is targeting stakeholders in Turkana West and Lokichoggio sub-counties, with sessions focusing on SHA benefits, registration procedures, access to healthcare, facility reimbursement requirements and community mobilisation strategies.
Speaking during the exercise, Edaan Elamach, Senior Officer for Registration and Compliance at the SHA office in Lodwar, said Turkana ranks 43rd among Kenya's 47 counties in SHA registration.
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He reported that 310,684 residents had registered against a county target of 926,463, representing 33.4 per cent coverage. He called for intensified community mobilisation to reach more eligible residents.
James Lobokan, Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, highlighted the important role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in driving registration and raising public awareness.
He urged stakeholders to support SHA implementation and encourage more residents to register so they can access available healthcare benefits.
Lobokan cited Kaaleng and Nanam health facilities as examples of institutions that have benefited from SHA funding, which has supported infrastructure improvements and staffing needs.
Christine Ekai, Turkana West Sub-County Administrator, said local leadership would work closely with community leaders to promote registration through public barazas, religious gatherings and activities organised with development partners.
Ruth Areman, the County Health Promotions Coordinator, called for clear communication strategies to address misconceptions about SHA and the healthcare benefits available to registered members.
She urged stakeholders to strengthen advocacy and social and behaviour change communication to improve public understanding of the scheme.
Ngasike John, Turkana West Medical Officer of Health, identified population mobility, lack of registration documents and the remoteness of some settlements as key obstacles to enrolment.
He called for coordinated action to address these challenges, noting that health facilities have designated SHA focal persons to support registration and public sensitisation.
The exercise brought together county health officials, community health representatives, civil society and community-based organisations, persons with disabilities and community development committee representatives.
The sensitisation sessions are scheduled to continue over the next three days, with additional stakeholders, including those from Lokichoggio Sub-County, expected to participate.
The initiative seeks to expand community outreach and accelerate SHA registration across Turkana West.