Kenya’s primary healthcare system is undergoing major reforms as the government doubles down on its commitment to accessible, accountable, and transparent healthcare for all citizens. The Ministry of Health has reiterated that primary care services offered through the Social Health Authority (SHA) will remain free of charge for all registered members, with a strong focus on eliminating fraud and enhancing service delivery.
Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who play a pivotal role in connecting households to primary health services, continue to be recognized as the frontline workers in this effort. Having reached over 80,000 households in the initial phase of SHA implementation, CHPs have been promised timely compensation to ensure continuity and motivation in their crucial work.
To further enhance access, the SHA has rolled out a flexible contribution scheme known as “SHA Lipa Pole Pole,” allowing Kenyans to gradually pay into the health insurance system. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden of healthcare and ensure no one is turned away from treatment due to an inability to pay. The government has already allocated KSh 13 billion towards this goal, safeguarding the promise of universal primary healthcare.
Citizens have been urged to report any denial of services, fraudulent charges, or misconduct at registered health facilities. A toll-free number (*147#) has been established to collect complaints and ensure swift action against violators. The message is clear: any attempt to charge for services that should be free under SHA will not be tolerated.
As part of a wider crackdown on health sector malpractice, the Ministry has taken decisive action against non-compliant private healthcare providers. Over 1,400 private hospitals have been shut down due to fraudulent billing and illegal claims. In one striking case, a hospital linked to a sitting Member of Parliament was found to be submitting inflated surgery claims far exceeding the capacity of even the country’s largest referral hospital.
These actions demonstrate a zero-tolerance stance toward corruption in both public and private healthcare institutions. The Ministry has made it clear that integrity will be prioritized over quantity, declaring that it is preferable to have fewer trustworthy hospitals than a multitude plagued by deceit and malpractice.
Citizens have been encouraged to remain vigilant, make use of reporting platforms, and demand accountability as the SHA reforms continue to unfold. Through these combined efforts transparent governance, proper compensation of frontline workers, and the elimination of fraud the government aims to deliver a health system that is fair, free, and functional for all Kenyans.
