Last Updated on March 25, 2025 by Turkana County News Online
Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Mr. Thomas Siele has announced that registration with the Social Health Authority (SHA) will be a mandatory requirement for individuals seeking relief food.
Speaking yesterday during World TB Day at Kanamkamer Sub-County Hospital in Lodwar, Siele emphasized the importance of ensuring that beneficiaries of government food aid are also covered under the health scheme. He explained that this approach aims to promote healthcare access alongside humanitarian assistance.
“Before you come with a sack to collect food, let me state one condition. Why should we continue feeding someone who can fall sick and fail to pay [for medical care]? We want a return on investment for the people we are feeding.)
The DCC underscored the significance of SHA registration in improving livelihoods, urging residents to comply. “Kama mtu anataka maisha mazuri kiavaya, register SHA,” he added, stressing that those who wish to live a decent life must register for the health scheme.
The directive has sparked mixed reactions among locals, with some welcoming the initiative as a step toward comprehensive social protection, while others have raised concerns about accessibility and affordability of SHA registration.
Authorities are expected to clarify the implementation of the directive in the coming weeks as relief distribution continues across Turkana County.
