NGAO Tasked with Registering 12 Million Kenyans for Universal Health Coverage

The National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) has been tasked with spearheading the registration of 12 million Kenyans for the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, as announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

In a statement on Wednesday during a collaborative meeting between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health, Kindiki expressed confidence in NGAO's unparalleled efficiency and reach, stating that no other state machinery could execute the task as effectively. Kenya's administrative structure, comprising eight regions, 47 counties, 389 sub counties, 989 divisions, 3,999 locations, and 9,104 sublocations, will play a crucial role in achieving the UHC registration target. This extensive network includes approximately 106,000 Village Elders, over 9,000 Assistant Chiefs, and about 4,000 Chiefs, providing a comprehensive reach from the national headquarters in Nairobi to the most remote villages.

Kindiki draws parallels between this initiative and NGAO's previous success in registering over 6.5 million farmers for the subsidized fertilizer distribution programme. He emphasizes that this achievement was accomplished in record time and at minimal cost to the government, saving billions that had been proposed by consultants. The Cabinet Secretary expresses confidence that NGAO would deliver similar results for the UHC registration. The registration exercise will be conducted in collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Health, particularly the Community Health Promoters (CPHs). Kindiki stresses the importance of simplified messaging from the Ministry of Health to ensure easy comprehension at the grassroots level.

He reiterates that the role of the National Government Administration officers is to support the government's agenda across all functions at the local level. Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa echoes Kindiki's sentiments, highlighting the critical role of NGAO officers in the success of the UHC programme. She emphasizes the need for community sensitization and acknowledges the expertise of NGAO officers in reaching the grassroots. Barasa expresses the Ministry of Health's intention to leverage NGAO's platform to inform communities about the benefits of the programme and encourage registration for affordable, quality healthcare.

The UHC programme is a cornerstone of President William Ruto's healthcare agenda, aiming to provide free healthcare services at all Level 1, 2, and 3 dispensaries and health centres nationwide. The initiative emphasizes active community participation in the management of health centres to ensure comprehensive access to essential healthcare services for all Kenyans.