The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health, Aden Duale has urged all Kenyans to register under the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that universal enrolment is central to delivering affordable and quality-assured healthcare under President Dr. William Ruto’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms.
Speaking during interactive sessions on KBC Radio and Radio Iftin, the CS addressed public concerns about the ongoing transition from the defunct NHIF to SHA.
He maintained that the new financing model is designed to guarantee equitable access to care through strengthened primary healthcare, expanded emergency medical services, and the critical illness fund (CIF).
Further, Duale disclosed that since SHA was rolled out, the Government has mobilized Sh81 billion to support the shift to a more efficient people-centred healthcare system.
“So far, over 30 million Kenyans have enrolled, marking major progress toward universal risk pooling,” stated the CS.
He also reaffirmed the Government’s focus on protecting vulnerable groups, highlighting the Linda Jamii Scheme, which replaces Linda Mama and covers adolescent mothers with free prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
“The scheme uses a special identification number to ensure teenage mothers receive services even without a parent’s ID,” added Duale, revealing that to date, 22,000 adolescent mothers have benefitted.
The CS emphasized that the Government remains committed to ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for all, particularly in remote and underserved regions, and reaffirmed that no Kenyan will be left behind as UHC reforms continue to advance across the country.
by Michael Omondi
