The Social Health Authority (SHA) to Provide Universal Health Coverage for All Citizens

Nairobi, Kenya - In a significant policy shift, the government, by establishing the Social Health Authority (SHA) aims to provide universal health coverage for all citizens, a move designed to address long-standing gaps in the healthcare system. The SHA, which replaces the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), is a key component of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformational Agenda (BETA PLAN), the government's strategy to ensure equitable healthcare access for all Kenyans.

PHOTO: Government spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura addressing memmbers of the press today at KICC, Nairobi

Dr. Isaac Mwaura, government spokesperson, emphasized the transformative nature of SHA, stating that it will ensure healthcare access for every Kenyan, regardless of financial status. “This initiative is built on four key pillars: sustainable health financing, effective supply of healthcare products and technologies (HPT), an adequate healthcare workforce, and comprehensive integrated health information systems,” said Dr. Mwaura.

For years, NHIF has struggled with sustainable financing, relying heavily on contributions from employed individuals. According to Dr. Mwaura, this approach has limited broader health financing, creating disparities in healthcare access. “Under NHIF, contributions primarily came from employed individuals, which excluded many Kenyans, especially those in informal employment. SHA aims to correct that by ensuring every adult Kenyan contributes to a sustainable fund that supports a wider range of healthcare services,” he explained.

To enable this transition, new legal frameworks have been introduced, including the Primary Healthcare Act, the Social Health Insurance Act, and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Act. These laws will establish three thematic funds: the Primary Health Care Fund, the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (publicly financed), and the Social Health Insurance Fund (funded through individual contributions). These funds aim to make healthcare services more accessible, especially in underserved communities.

PHOTO: Government spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura addressing memmbers of the press today at KICC, Nairobi

In addition to expanding coverage, SHA will engage Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to strengthen preventive and promotive healthcare. “SHA will bring preventive care closer to the people through early diagnosis and treatment, reducing the burden of disease,” Dr. Mwaura noted.

One of the significant upgrades under SHA is the Linda Mama package, which will now cover comprehensive maternal and child healthcare. “SHA is addressing high maternal and infant mortality rates by ensuring that antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care services are fully covered, as well as critical interventions like Anti-D Serum injections for Rhesus-negative mothers,” Dr. Mwaura highlighted.

The SHA also includes expanded coverage for chronic illnesses like cancer and specialized surgeries, such as organ transplants, as well as end-of-life care. Essential newborn care, including immunizations and management of neonatal complications, will now be available in more healthcare facilities, further improving outcomes for mothers and children.

Dr. Mwaura concluded by urging all Kenyans to register for the SHA scheme, saying, “This is a system designed to provide comprehensive, quality, and equitable healthcare for all Kenyans. It’s time for every Kenyan to take part and benefit.”

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