By Grace Waithaka

Hon. Beatrice Elachi, MP for Dagoretti North, has called for greater accountability in governance and healthcare, urging women in parliament to leverage the tools provided by the International Parliamentary Forum (IPF) to address critical issues affecting Kenyans.

Hon. Elachi also reflected on 2024 as a year of learning and resilience, especially for salaried Kenyans who continue to bear the brunt of economic shocks and healthcare challenges. She emphasized that women often face the heaviest consequences in times of crisis, highlighting the need for policies that directly address their unique struggles.

On the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework, Hon. Elachi expressed concern over its architects, accusing them of failing to conduct proper ground assessments. She pointed out that the framework has led to significant challenges for Kenyans and called for limits on mandatory contributions, suggesting they should not exceed the KSh 500 currently paid to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

“The government must be honest about Article 43, which guarantees the right to healthcare. Institutions under the SHA must be paid on time, and Kenyans deserve access to clear and transparent information about available healthcare services,” Hon. Elachi stated.

She also emphasized the importance of public awareness, urging the government to inform Kenyans about hospitals offering specialized services like dialysis and oncology. “Information is power. Our citizens need to know where to go for critical healthcare services,” she adde

She called upon her fellow women parliamentarians to lead with honesty and accountability, ensuring that taxpayers see the benefits of their contributions. “Kenyans are angry because they pay taxes but don’t see the value. We need to change this narrative by delivering results that directly impact their lives,” she concluded.

This has come at a time when the government faces mounting pressure to address systemic issues in healthcare and economic management. As Kenya moves forward, the call for transparent governance and effective service delivery remains louder than ever.