•The government of Kenya is set to enroll poor households under SHA Medical Cover. •The plan has been touted as a lifeline for vulnerable families who cannot afford healthcare in its current state.
Nairobi🇰🇪|In a significant move to enhance healthcare access for vulnerable populations, the government has announced a comprehensive plan to enroll poor households under the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover.
The initiative was unveiled during a high-level meeting on January 15, 2025, between the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Social Protection, Mr. Joseph M. Motari, CBS, and the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, CBS.
Funding and Scope of the Initiative
To ensure the success of this program, the government has allocated KES 950 million in the current financial year to subsidize premiums for the most disadvantaged households, who are unable to afford the cost of SHA medical cover.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce financial barriers to healthcare and promote equity in access to medical services.
The Social Health Authority will collaborate closely with the State Department for Social Protection to identify the target households using robust, pre-existing databases.
These include the Social Registry, which comprises data on over 4.4 million households, and the Inua Jamii cash transfer program, which currently supports more than 1.75 million beneficiaries nationwide.
Data-Driven Selection Process
Eligible households will be carefully selected through a data-driven approach.
The Social Registry and Inua Jamii programs will serve as primary sources to identify families living in extreme poverty.
Once identified, these households will undergo an additional verification process conducted by the Social Health Authority to ensure eligibility.
“By leveraging these established systems, we aim to ensure that the benefits reach those who need them most,” stated Mr. Motari during the announcement.
Key Features of the SHA Medical Cover
The SHA medical cover will provide a wide range of benefits, ensuring that enrolled households have access to essential health services.
Each eligible household will receive coverage for a duration of 12 months, including:
Inpatient and outpatient services, ensuring families can seek treatment for acute and chronic conditions.
Maternal and child health services, addressing critical healthcare needs for women and children.
Specialized care, including surgeries, diagnostic services, and treatment for critical illnesses.
Addressing Health Inequities
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to tackling health inequities in Kenya.
Despite significant strides in healthcare development, many households in low-income brackets continue to face challenges in accessing affordable medical services.
By absorbing the cost of premiums, the SHA program seeks to remove financial barriers and improve health outcomes for the poorest communities.
A Step Towards Universal Health Coverage
The enrollment of vulnerable households in the SHA medical cover is part of the government’s broader agenda to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Mr. Harry Kimtai emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative, noting, “Healthcare is a fundamental right, and this program will play a crucial role in ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind due to financial constraints.”
Next Steps
With funding in place and data systems prepared, the enrollment process is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Public awareness campaigns will be rolled out to ensure eligible households are informed about the program and can benefit from the initiative.
This landmark initiative highlights the government’s dedication to creating an inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of the most disadvantaged.
If successfully implemented, it could serve as a model for other nations seeking to address healthcare disparities and improve social welfare.