Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. | PHOTO: @ArchbishopSapit/X

The church has weighed in on the ongoing crisis in the education and health sector by calling on the government to urgently resolve the standoff.

The Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit says the suspension of services by private hospitals to those using Social Health Authority (SHA) cover is causing thousands of Kenyans untold suffering.

Ole Sapit spoke during the conclusion of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Provincial Assembly of the Clergy, where church leaders gathered in prayer and reflection over the state of the nation.

“Whereas we appreciate health sector reforms, we note the challenges that affect SHA and SHIF… we demand that the Social Health Authority puts her house in order and prioritise payments of funds owed to all hospitals to enable them to continue to offer service,” he said.

The church also wants the Ministry of Education to stop its grandstanding and release funds to university lecturers and capitation to schools, terming the situation ‘dire’.

The ACK pointed to the ongoing university lecturers' strike and the delayed disbursement of capitation funds to schools as key contributors to the paralysis of learning across the country.

“The crisis in the education sector cannot be wished away… delayed capitation coupled with unaffordable education is putting quality education and general access beyond the reach of many… We call upon the government to release on time school and university capitation,” stated Ole Sapit.

One month into the third and final academic term, many schools continue to struggle amid a significant funding shortfall, a situation that has left parents and institutions in distress.

Turning to governance, the ACK welcomed the recent rollout of the electronic government procurement system as a step towards curbing corruption. However, it called on the Treasury not to ignore the concerns raised by the Council of Governors.

Jackson Ole Sapit said, “It is essential that the resistance be addressed in the interest of promoting a buy-in… such matters be addressed exhaustively.”

The state of the economy was also a major point of concern. The church decried the rising levels of unemployment and the growing sense of hopelessness among citizens.

As the clergy closed the two-day session, their message was clear — urgent action is needed to address the deepening challenges affecting Kenyans across multiple sectors. By Ben Kirui, Citizen Digital