The government has rolled out an enhanced health insurance scheme for National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) officers under the Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a major milestone in the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking during the launch, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the transition is part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and reflects sustained commitment to improving welfare for uniformed officers.
“This transition did not happen by accident. It is the result of deliberate and sustained presidential commitment, supported by multiple institutions working together,” said Duale.
The new scheme, dubbed “Afya ya Usalama,” will significantly expand access to healthcare services for officers and their dependents.
Previously, officers were limited to about 800 health facilities, but the new arrangement now allows access to over 6,000 public, private and faith-based facilities nationwide.
Duale dismissed claims that the scheme restricts beneficiaries to public hospitals, noting that the launch in a private facility was intentional to counter such perceptions.
There has been propaganda that this cover is being downgraded. That is not true. Officers can now access services in any facility without discrimination,” he said.
The enhanced package includes outpatient and inpatient services, dental and optical care, emergency treatment, specialised procedures, overseas referrals and last expense benefits.
It also caters to occupational risks faced by officers, including advanced surgeries and emergency evacuation services.
Duale emphasized that emergency treatment remains free for all Kenyans for the first 24 hours in life threatening situations, urging officers and the public to take advantage of the provision.
“Emergency medical treatment is free in Kenya. Any Kenyan can walk into a hospital and receive care for the first 24 hours to stabilize their condition,” he said.
The CS noted that the new scheme was informed by feedback from officers collected during nationwide security forums, where concerns were raised about discrimination and limited access to quality care under previous insurance arrangements.
“Our officers made it clear they needed a comprehensive and fair system. This scheme responds directly to those concerns,” he added.
The government also assured officers of continuity of care during the transition, saying patients currently admitted will continue receiving treatment without interruption, while arrangements will be made for those in non-contracted facilities.
Duale further revealed plans to extend coverage to National Police Reservists and explore mechanisms to include inmates in the scheme, subject to budgetary provisions.
In addition, officers were encouraged to embrace preventive healthcare by attending routine medical check-ups, noting that early diagnosis reduces treatment costs and improves outcomes.
The launch forms part of broader reforms targeting improved welfare and operational efficiency within the security sector.
These include salary increments, promotions, recruitment of additional personnel, housing projects and modernization of policing systems through digital platforms.
Duale announced that over 10,000 police recruits are currently undergoing training, while thousands of prison officers have recently graduated. Plans are also underway to construct over 45,000 housing units for officers.
On technology, the government is upgrading its Integrated Command, Control and Communication Centre (IC3) to a more advanced IC4 system incorporating artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance security operations.
“We are moving towards a modern, technology driven security system where citizens will even be able to report crimes digitally without visiting police stations,” he said.
The CS issued a stern warning against fraud, cautioning healthcare providers and officers against engaging in corrupt practices.
“Anyone attempting to defraud this scheme will face the full force of the law. All claims will undergo strict verification,” he warned.
Duale reiterated that investing in officers’ health is critical to national security, pledging that the Ministry of Health will ensure the scheme delivers quality and timely services.
“Our officers keep this country safe. Their health and the health of their families is a priority for this government,” he said.
According to the ministry, over 30 million Kenyans have already been registered under SHA, with billions of shillings disbursed to healthcare facilities, signaling strong progress in the country’s health sector reforms.
By Celestine Lomolijah
