By Gran Chico | August 27, 2026
Newly appointed Government Spokesperson Charles Owino has mounted a strong defence of the Social Health Authority (SHA), dismissing opposition pledges to abolish the health financing system if they take power.
Speaking during a State of the Nation press briefing at Harambee Annex on Wednesday, Owino argued that SHA is established in law and cannot simply be scrapped through a presidential declaration.
“I want to tell you, whoever becomes the president, even if it is not President Ruto, cannot do away with SHA,” Owino said, describing calls to abolish the authority as “a dream,” “a lie” and “wishful thinking.”
Owino insisted that SHA should not be viewed as a personal project of President William Ruto.
“SHA is not President William Ruto. You know, people would think when you talk about SHA, you talk about President William Ruto,” he said.
He explained that the authority was created under the Social Health Insurance Act and incorporates several funds, including the Social Health Insurance Fund, Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, Primary Healthcare Fund and Hospital Development Fund.
According to Owino, more than 31 million Kenyans have registered under the contributory fund, while other components support emergency treatment, primary healthcare and hospital infrastructure.
He acknowledged that SHA has faced challenges since its rollout but maintained that the government is ready to address genuine problems affecting Kenyans and healthcare providers.
“We are ready, if something is wrong, we will correct it. But lying to Kenyans, no.”
Owino Challenges Opposition on 2027 Agenda
Owino also challenged opposition leaders to move beyond the “Ruto must go” campaign and tell Kenyans what they would do differently if elected in 2027.
He acknowledged that President Ruto will eventually leave office in accordance with the Constitution, but questioned what the opposition would offer young Kenyans.
“The President must go. Whether one term or two terms, because that is what our Constitution has provided. But what are you leaving for these young people who are coming up? What are you going to do better?”
The Government Spokesperson urged opposition parties to present clear policies and practical solutions rather than focusing solely on removing the incumbent administration.
He also challenged the media to scrutinize both sides of the political divide.
“So the media I’m asking you, ask hard questions… And even me, ask me hard questions.”
Government Defends Its Record
In defending the Kenya Kwanza administration, Owino pointed to progress in areas including agriculture, education, affordable housing, universal healthcare, MSMEs and the digital economy.
He cited a reduction in subsidised fertiliser prices from approximately Sh7,000 to Sh2,500 per bag, with the government targeting a further reduction to Sh2,000.
He also pointed to Sh307.5 billion in school capitation, the recruitment of more than 100,000 teachers, and plans to recruit an additional 20,000 teachers.
Owino further warned that misinformation, disinformation and fake news were emerging as major threats to Kenya’s democracy, peace and national security.
The debate over SHA is expected to remain a major political issue as Kenya heads toward the 2027 General Election, with the government defending the authority as a long-term health reform while opposition leaders continue to question its implementation and effectiveness.
