In a vibrant and celebratory ceremony, Kisumu County launched an ambitious new phase in healthcare insurance, dubbed “MARWA plus,” aimed at significantly enhancing health insurance coverage for its residents. The event, spearheaded by Governor Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, was a festive affair with confetti, music, and dance, reflecting the community’s hopeful outlook on the initiative’s potential to transform healthcare accessibility and affordability.
Governor Nyong’o, in his address, emphasized the collective effort required to achieve the goal of making healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone in Kisumu County. He stressed the importance of the newly introduced “MARWA plus” program in increasing health insurance penetration and ensuring equitable healthcare services across the county. The initiative, he detailed, is a step towards fulfilling his manifesto promise to cover 70% of the county’s population with health insurance.
A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the Marwa Insurance Subsidy Program, specifically targeting individuals in the informal sector who might find it challenging to afford health insurance premiums. Through this program, the County Government of Kisumu commits to subsidizing a portion of the premiums, thereby widening access to quality healthcare services.
In addition, Governor Nyong’o unveiled a self-paying membership option within Marwa, promising enhanced benefits and a streamlined registration process facilitated through the Kisumu Solidarity Health Cover website. This initiative is supported by partnerships with organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) to aid in the registration process and mitigate default rates.
The governor also highlighted Marwa’s alignment with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), underscoring its role in ensuring universal health insurance coverage and focusing on including underserved markets. He called upon all residents, including those working in informal sectors like small-scale vendors, artisans, and farmers, to take advantage of Marwa’s offerings and register.
The event not only marked the launch of “MARWA plus” but also celebrated the collective commitment of Kisumu’s leadership, partners, and community towards reshaping the healthcare landscape in the county. The deputy governor, Mathew Owili, along with partners from the Fred Hollows Foundation, PharmAccess, ILO, and NHIF, reaffirmed their dedication to realizing the vision of affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all in Kisumu County.
As the ceremony concluded, the enthusiasm and collective spirit of Kisumu’s residents were palpable, with many expressing eagerness to participate in Marwa, a beacon of hope for a healthier future for the county.
Kisumu City News
