Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has hailed the newly launched Linda Jamii healthcare package as a transformative initiative in Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Replacing the Linda Mama scheme under the defunct NHIF, Linda Jamii is managed by the Social Health Authority (SHA), a body established in October 2023 to oversee the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Duale described the transition as a “major milestone” in expanding access to quality maternal and newborn care. Unlike the former NHIF-supported Linda Mama program, which only covered delivery costs, Linda Jamii now offers a comprehensive maternal health package. This includes antenatal care, delivery whether normal or via Caesarean Section—postnatal care, and essential newborn services.
A key enhancement in the new package is the inclusion of Anti-D serum treatment, a critical intervention for Rhesus-negative mothers to prevent complications in future pregnancies. Duale emphasized this as a vital step toward improving maternal health outcomes.
In addition to broader coverage, Linda Jamii now allows mothers to register their spouses and children under the scheme—a significant shift from the previous model that focused solely on the expectant mother.
Financial reforms have also been introduced to align reimbursement rates with the real cost of care. Reimbursements for normal deliveries have increased from Sh2,500 to Sh10,000, while Caesarean Sections now attract up to Sh30,000, up from Sh5,000. According to Duale, this reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening maternal health systems and reducing the financial burden on families.
The SHA’s mandate extends beyond maternal health. It covers a wide range of services including primary, secondary, and emergency healthcare. To ensure equity, the authority has also rolled out targeted subsidies for the poor and vulnerable populations.
Designed to streamline healthcare financing and improve accountability, SHA is central to the government’s reform agenda. Through Linda Jamii, the government aims to provide equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all, ensuring that no mother or family is left behind.
