In a bold stride toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Kenyan government has officially launched Linda Jamii, a robust maternal healthcare program under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA). This new initiative replaces the now-defunct NHIF-based Linda Mama program and marks a significant policy shift toward more inclusive, comprehensive, and equitable maternal health services.
Speaking during the rollout, Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale emphasized that Linda Jamii is not just an expansion of benefits but a complete overhaul of how maternal care is delivered. Unlike its predecessor, Linda Jamii offers full-spectrum maternal health coverage from antenatal visits and skilled deliveries, including Caesarean sections, to postnatal care and essential newborn services. The program also includes the administration of lifesaving Anti-D serum for Rhesus-negative mothers an addition that reflects the program’s focus on quality and safety.
A standout feature of Linda Jamii is its extended coverage scope. Beneficiaries are now able to register their spouses and children under the same package, promoting a more family-centered approach to health access. However, with improved coverage comes a revised reimbursement model. Mothers seeking normal delivery will now be required to pay KSh 10,000, up from KSh 2,500, while Caesarean delivery costs have increased to KSh 30,000 from KSh 5,000. These revised rates are aligned with the goal of ensuring healthcare providers are adequately resourced to offer quality care.
Complementing this broader maternal health reform is a groundbreaking initiative targeting one of Kenya’s most vulnerable groups teenage mothers. In a move aimed at tackling systemic discrimination and enhancing service accessibility, the Ministry of Health has introduced special health cards specifically for adolescent mothers. These cards will grant seamless access to a range of critical services, including antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, immunization, and psychosocial support.
CS Duale underscored that this intervention is not just a health measure but a social justice imperative. Teenage mothers often face stigma and neglect, contributing to school dropouts, poor health outcomes, and a perpetuation of poverty across generations. By integrating them fully into the health system, the government aims to not only save lives but also restore dignity and opportunity.
The introduction of Linda Jamii and the special teenage mother health cards reflect a strategic pivot in Kenya’s healthcare policy from a reactive model to one that is inclusive and preventative. With this, the government reaffirms its commitment to SDG 3: ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, at all ages.
