Church Leaders Amplify Kenyans’ Cry to Government

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has raised an alarm on escalating issues within the health and education sector, issuing warning that the government’s inaction risks undermining critical services to millions of Kenyans.

Church leaders requested the Social Health Authority (SHA) to speed up payment of hospital arrears, issuing notice that late payment is jeopardizing access to quality healthcare across the country.

They acknowledged ongoing reforms in the health system but noted that mounting debt of SHIF and SHA to private hospitals has already forced some facilities to shut down operations, leaving patients stranded.

“We demand with Kenyans that SHA put her house in order and prioritize payments of funds owed to all hospitals to enable them to continue to offer services,” Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit said during a Thursday press conference in Nairobi.

He warned that if the government does not act quickly, its vision of universal healthcare will collapse because of inefficiencies, unpaid invoices, and mounting frustration among providers.

The Archbishop also urged SHA to embrace transparency and accountability in its operations towards regaining public confidence in the reorganized healthcare system.

Concerns Over Education

The church leaders also voiced concern over persistent problems in the education sector. Ole Sapit cited the delayed release of government capitation funds and the rising cost of education as major obstacles that continue to lock out thousands of children and young adults from quality learning.

He claimed that more than 42,000 qualified students failed to apply for university placement this year, calling it evidence of a worsening affordability crisis.

The leaders further urged the government to urgently address lecturers’ grievances to end perennial strikes that disrupt academic calendars and drain parents’ resources.

“The crisis in the education sector cannot just be wished away. Delayed capitation, coupled with an unaffordable education system, is putting learning beyond the reach of many. We call upon the government to release on time school and university capitation to enable these institutions to run smoothly,” Ole Sapit said.

He added that constant strikes by university lecturers compromise education standards and force parents and students to lose both time and money. He challenged the government to permanently resolve lecturers’ grievances and bring an end to the cycle of industrial action that has plagued public universities for years.

Appeal for Political Sobriety

On politics, Ole Sapit urged leaders to exercise restraint and avoid plunging the country into premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Whereas it is a democratic right for parties to campaign, we urge political leaders to focus more on service delivery and spare the nation from early campaigns,” he said.

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