President William Ruto has announced that the government will cover the cost of SHA services for 2.2 million Kenyans at no charge.
“Today, I want to say that the government will pay for the SHA cover for 2.2 million Kenyans for free. As you leave from here, you will be assured that SHA will cover you,” Ruto said.
“The Constitution makes it mandatory that health is a right. It is our commitment under the ‘bottom-up agenda’ to ensure that even those without the means become beneficiaries of healthcare of the highest standard. That is why we are here today.”
Ruto Unveils 2.2 Million Kenyans Who Will Enjoy FREE SHA Services
Ruto stressed that the move is aimed at promoting equality and ensuring all Kenyans have access to the highest standard of healthcare.
“Health is a right for every citizen, and this initiative ensures that no Kenyan is left behind,” President Ruto said.
The government confirmed that 558,000 households—equivalent to 2.2 million individuals—will benefit from the SHA cover.
Further, the President explained that the initiative is designed to sponsor disadvantaged households and is fully anchored within the law.
Ruto disclosed that the list of beneficiaries has been shared with donors and philanthropists who have expressed interest in supporting the program.
Among the contributors is an anonymous philanthropist, who is covering SHA costs for at least 113,000 Kenyans.
Also Read: SHA Reveals Types of Treatments Govt Will Fund Abroad and Their Costs
Duale Praises SHA Services
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated that the Government of Kenya has contributed Ksh 4.4 billion towards the program.
Duale reiterated that Kenya has transitioned from a fragmented and costly health system to a more collaborative, people-centered model.
He explained that under primary healthcare, any Kenyan can walk into a facility, receive outpatient treatment, get medication, and go home without paying anything—since the government fully funds primary healthcare.
In his remarks, he stated that this year alone, Ksh13 billion has been appropriated for the initiative.
Also Read: Govt Mulls Denying 9 Million Hustler Fund Defaulters SHA Lipa Pole Pole Services
Duale further stated the importance of the digital health superhighway, noting that 25 counties are already operating paperless systems, with 22 more expected to complete the transition by December.
He contrasted the current progress with the past, stating that under NHIF, the country relied on about 600 registered officers and offices.
Today, by leveraging technology, more than 26.2 million Kenyans have been registered in just ten months.
According to Duale, the new digital system will also help eliminate fraud, fake doctors, counterfeit drugs, and unauthorized facilities.
“Today, by leveraging technology, we are proud to have registered over 26.2 million Kenyans in just ten months. The digital system we are building will also eliminate fraud, fake doctors, counterfeit drugs, and unauthorized facilities,” he said.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
