President William Ruto has announced that the government will pay Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions for more than 2.2 million Kenyans from vulnerable households. Speaking at the launch of the SHA Sponsorship Programme at State House Nairobi on Friday, the President emphasized that healthcare is a right for all, not a privilege for a few.
“Today, we have taken another significant step in fulfilling our pledge to deliver universal healthcare for every Kenyan,” President Ruto said.
Under the new programme, the government will cover contributions for more than 2.2 million vulnerable citizens, granting access to medical care, including specialized services. He added that more vulnerable Kenyans will be identified to ensure equitable access to a robust and responsive healthcare system.
Highlighting the fairness of SHA contributions, President Ruto noted that the 2.75% income-based contributions have helped raise funds to provide services even for those unable to pay. Unlike the defunct National Health Insurance Fund, which mainly served employed citizens, SHA is designed to benefit all Kenyans.
As part of the programme launch, the government handed over a KSh4.4 billion cheque to SHA to cater to vulnerable citizens. The President commended governors and MPs who have supported the initiative.
“I want to appeal to my friends, the Governors: it is your legal mandate to support disadvantaged households in your counties. I also call upon our development partners, faith institutions, corporates, and philanthropists to walk with us in this noble initiative,” he said
The president added: “This is not about govt; it is our collective mission. Together, we can ensure that health becomes a reality for every Kenyan, as guaranteed in our Constitution,”
President Ruto reiterated that outpatient services at dispensaries, health centres, and sub-county hospitals should be free, warning against demands for payments.
He outlined measures being implemented to improve healthcare, including hospital equipping, round-the-clock availability of drugs, adoption of digital services, biometric patient identification, and the recruitment of qualified health personnel, including Community Health Promoters and Universal Health Coverage staff.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale noted that 25 counties have fully digitized health services, with the remaining 22 counties in the process of transitioning to paperless systems.
