Silverio Omari
The newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) has reported that it provided Sh1.5 billion in services to Kenyans within just one month of its launch.
In its inaugural month, the SHA delivered a dialysis care package valued at Sh250 million, along with Sh220 million for cancer (oncology) treatment, Sh175 million for maternal and infant health, and Sh103 million for mental wellness services. The Ministry of Health (MoH) highlighted that this financial commitment demonstrates SHA’s significant impact on improving health outcomes for Kenyans.
The government is dedicated to enhancing access to essential health services and strengthening the national healthcare system. Since its enrollment began on October 1, 2024, SHA has experienced a remarkable 44 percent growth in registered members. The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative now includes 13 million Kenyans, with 4 million new members added recently.
SHA has facilitated over 10,600 visits for maternal and child care, including support for both normal and caesarean deliveries. Outpatient services recorded more than 21,000 visits, while inpatient services attracted over 28,000 visits, underscoring the comprehensive nature of SHA’s offerings. For individuals with kidney conditions, SHA provided over 15,800 dialysis sessions, and mental wellness support saw 265 visits since its launch.
A total of 4,520 public and government facilities have joined the universal healthcare system, alongside 2,540 private facilities, 549 faith-based facilities, 17 community-based facilities, and 76 additional establishments. The Ministry of Health has assured SHA registered members that they will have immediate access to a range of healthcare services without waiting periods upon enrollment.
SHA provides primary healthcare services at level 2 and level 3 facilities across the country, allowing members to receive preventive and basic care at no extra cost. This approach is particularly advantageous for low-income earners and residents in remote areas, where access to quality health facilities has historically been limited.
