The Social Health Authority (SHA) has officially begun financing critical medical services such as organ transplants, surgical procedures, and intensive care unit (ICU) treatments. This development marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s journey toward achieving universal health coverage.
Over the past month, a growing number of patients have already started receiving services under the new coverage structure. Organ transplants, which have long been inaccessible for many due to high costs, are now being funded by the SHA. Surgical procedures across public hospitals are also being supported, while enhanced ICU packages are ensuring that even the most critical cases receive timely care.
The transition from the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the SHA represents a strategic shift toward a more inclusive, pooled financing model aimed at reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses. The SHA’s design is rooted in ensuring that all citizens, regardless of socio-economic status, can access essential healthcare without the burden of financial hardship.
One of the most notable changes introduced under the new system is the revision of benefit packages. ICU coverage has been significantly increased from KSh4,000 to KSh28,000 per day. Similarly, the cancer treatment package has been expanded from KSh300,000 to KSh550,000, enabling thousands of patients to begin or continue life-saving treatment.
The SHA rollout prioritizes high-cost and emergency care services in its initial phase. Already, the impact is evident, with the first transplant procedure under SHA cover successfully carried out at Kenyatta National Hospital. The burden of raising large sums of money for transplants or intensive care is now being lifted off families, many of whom previously faced insurmountable financial barriers to treatment.
The broader goal is to create a healthcare system where financial status does not determine health outcomes. Public hospitals and healthcare workers have welcomed the move, citing faster patient admissions, reduced delays in treatment approvals, and an overall improvement in healthcare delivery. The reform aims to streamline care and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long hampered service delivery in public health institutions.
Additionally, the government has outlined plans to expand the SHA’s scope to include outpatient care and preventive health services in the near future. This phased approach is expected to build a strong foundation for comprehensive coverage, ensuring that all levels of healthcare from emergency services to routine checkups are accessible to every Kenyan.
Kenyans are being urged to register for SHA coverage through local health facilities or online registration portals. The government has emphasized that widespread registration is key to the success of the program and to ensuring health equity across the country.
With the implementation of SHA, Kenya is taking a bold step toward a more inclusive and sustainable health system. The recent improvements in access to critical care services signal a shift in healthcare policy that prioritizes citizens’ well-being and aims to provide a safety net for all, particularly the most vulnerable. As the program continues to roll out, further transformations in healthcare access and quality are anticipated.
