Government Launches TaifaCare and Digital Health Transformation in Nyandarua County
Nyandarua County marked a major milestone in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on Wednesday with the launch of the TaifaCare health insurance scheme and the Digital Health Transformation agenda. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized that the initiative is designed to create a fair, efficient, and patient-centred healthcare system.
TaifaCare is more than an insurance scheme; it is a reimagining of healthcare financing that ensures no Kenyan is left behind. For formal employees, it provides comprehensive coverage; for informal sector workers, it is flexible and affordable; and for vulnerable groups, the government will cover premiums fully, CS Duale said.
He highlighted the power of digital health in allowing patients, whether in Kipipiri or Wajir, to access their medical histories seamlessly across Kenya, ensuring timely and dignified care. So far, 26 million Kenyans have enrolled in the Social Health Authority (SHA), thanks to county-by-county registration drives.
The Cabinet Secretary also revealed that JM Kariuki Memorial Hospital is set to be upgraded from a level-4 to level-5 facility, enabling specialized treatment locally, while other sub-county health centres will also receive upgrades.
CS Duale called on Kenyans to register with SHA, stressing that this will prevent the diversion of funds for medical bills and urged citizens to support health services free from political interference. He recognized the critical role of counties, health workers, and over 1,249 community health promoters (CHPs) in driving the reform, noting that CHPs in Nyandarua are already equipped with digital tools for household registration, assessment, and timely referrals.