Murang’a Governor Kang’ata urges State to fix e-procurement hurdles to sustain Kang’ata Care health insurance efficiency

Murang’a Governor Dr Irungu Kang’ata has called on the national government to streamline the e-procurement system to ensure uninterrupted operations of the Kang’ata Care Health Insurance Program.

Speaking on Tuesday at the county headquarters during the issuance of last expense cheques to bereaved families, Kang’ata said the slow procurement processes have delayed renewal of key insurance contracts and stalled compensation to beneficiaries.

“The e-procurement system must be made more efficient so that the Kang’atacare program can run smoothly,” he said. “We need to renew our insurance policies on time to guarantee residents continued access to health services.”

The Kang’atacare scheme, a flagship project of the Murang’a County Government, provides free health insurance to over 40,000 vulnerable households and includes a last expense benefit for the principal member.

During the event, 62 bereaved families each received Ksh100,000 in last expense cheques, while students who lost parents received Ksh25,000 each for school fees. Newly married couples and parents of newborns were also given Ksh10,000 in support.

Kang’ata revealed that the county is following up on pending claims with the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Britam Insurance, which owe compensation for 163 and 109 beneficiaries respectively.

The governor also warned residents against falling prey to conmen posing as county officers recruiting members into the program.

“Registration for Kang’atacare is done only once a year and is completely free,” he cautioned. “Anyone demanding payment is a fraudster and will be dealt with by law enforcement.”

Murang’a County Assembly Majority Leader Kibe Wasary lauded the initiative as a transformative social protection program, urging the national government to address e-procurement delays that threaten its continuity.

“As an assembly, we’ve passed the necessary legislation and allocated sufficient funds. Now, the national government must do its part to eliminate procurement bottlenecks,” he said.

Wasary reaffirmed the county’s commitment to sustaining Kang’atacare, describing it as a model of community healthcare that other counties can replicate.