President William Ruto has launched a landmark Social Health Authority (SHA) cover targeting 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans who cannot afford medical premiums. The initiative, valued at Sh4.4 billion, is part of the government’s deliberate effort to accelerate the realization of Universal Health Care (UHC), making quality healthcare affordable and accessible to every Kenyan, regardless of their economic status.
Speaking during the unveiling on Friday, President Ruto said the package will cover a wide range of essential medical services under both primary and secondary healthcare. Primary care includes basic services such as consultations, blood pressure checks, weighing, sugar level tests, and malaria tests. Secondary care, on the other hand, will cater for hospital admissions, diabetes management, cancer treatment, dialysis, and other advanced treatments.
“We are going to pay for 2.2 million Kenyans today so that they have health insurance to go to any hospital in Kenya,” President Ruto emphasized. He called on governors, Members of Parliament, development partners, and well-wishers to contribute additional resources to expand the reach of the programme and cover more vulnerable households.
The President further disclosed that the Ministries of Health and Labour and Social Protection have already created a comprehensive database of households most in need. This list, he said, will be used to ensure targeted support and transparency, while also providing an opportunity for philanthropists and donors to channel their contributions directly to deserving beneficiaries.
The SHA, which has replaced the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), is anchored on equity in healthcare access. It comprises several funds, including the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the Primary Healthcare Fund, and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 23.3 million Kenyans have already registered under SHA, although only about 5.6 million have made contributions so far, showing the need for government support to cushion vulnerable citizens.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale highlighted that the SHA framework also caters for specialized treatment unavailable locally. The government has directed the SHA Board to contract overseas facilities capable of providing 36 advanced services currently missing in Kenya. “This framework guarantees a transparent, evidence-based, and accountable system for Kenyans seeking treatment abroad, ensuring value for money and quality care,” Duale said. He noted that the maximum amount payable for overseas treatment is capped at Sh500,000.
The launch of the SHA cover for 2.2 million Kenyans signals a bold step by the Ruto administration in transforming healthcare delivery. It reflects the government’s resolve to strengthen national health systems, bridge inequalities in access to treatment, and secure the wellbeing of millions of Kenyans. With the rollout of this scheme, the country is steadily advancing toward the goal of Universal Health Care, ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind in the journey to affordable and quality medical services.
