Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation to present and discuss the Social Health Insurance (Tariffs for Healthcare Services) Regulations, 2025 (Legal Notice No. 56 of 2025). The briefing session took place at Bunge Towers in Nairobi and was chaired by Ainabkoi Member of Parliament Hon. Samuel Chepkonga.
In his address to the committee, the Cabinet Secretary offered an in-depth overview of the proposed tariff framework, which is structured around the three key health funds managed under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA). These funds are designed to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare across all levels of society.
The Primary Health Care Fund is designed to support access to preventive and foundational health services. This includes a focus on community-level interventions, public health education, and measures to prevent diseases. It aims to strengthen the first line of health defense and reduce the long-term burden on the health system.
The Social Health Insurance Fund is intended to provide comprehensive coverage for routine and essential medical treatments. This fund targets the bulk of healthcare needs, ensuring that individuals and families can access general medical services without falling into financial hardship.
The third pillar, the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illnesses Fund, caters to high-cost, urgent, and long-term medical conditions. This includes coverage for intensive care, specialized treatments, and chronic disease management, providing financial protection for some of the most vulnerable health conditions.
Hon. Duale elaborated on the use of means testing as a tool to assess eligibility for state support during registration for the SHA. This approach considers an individual’s income and assets to ensure that subsidies and support are directed toward those who need them most. He emphasized the government’s commitment to an inclusive and fair system that leaves no Kenyan behind.
He also introduced the Lipa SHA Pole Pole initiative, an instalment-based contribution model designed to ease the financial burden on households. This flexible payment approach allows Kenyans to contribute in smaller, manageable amounts. Additionally, there are plans to transition from a monthly to an annual contribution model to improve compliance and reduce administrative hurdles.
The Cabinet Secretary underlined the Ministry’s commitment to principles of good governance, transparency, and public participation in the development of these regulations. This commitment aligns with the legal requirements of the Statutory Instruments Act, which governs how such regulations are created and implemented.
He was accompanied by key officials from the Ministry of Health, including the Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi.
