Vihiga County has set a historic precedent by becoming the first county in Kenya to enroll its employees into the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMS) under the Social Health Authority (SHA). This bold move marks a significant milestone in the government’s journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Kenyans.
Through the agreement signed between the county and SHA, more than 3,000 county employees will begin accessing comprehensive medical cover from 1st October 2025. This initiative ensures that staff across the county government will benefit from affordable, reliable, and inclusive healthcare services, advancing the country’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of public officers.
Alongside the contract, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to strengthen collaboration between SHA, the Ministry of Health, and the Vihiga County Government. A Joint Implementation Committee will oversee the rollout of agreed activities, ensuring smooth coordination, accountability, and sustainability. This structure is designed to guarantee that residents and employees alike enjoy expanded access to equitable healthcare.
Central to the initiative is a strong focus on maternal and child health. The scheme prioritizes antenatal care, safe delivery through both normal and caesarean procedures, and postnatal services. By addressing these areas, the government aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, aligning with broader health sector reforms.
The reforms are also anchored on digitization to strengthen transparency and service delivery. Biometric registration is already operational in Level 4, 5, and 6 facilities and is being extended to lower-level facilities. Additionally, the rollout of Hospital Management Information Systems (HMIS) will enhance real-time patient data tracking, curb fraudulent practices such as ghost records and billing irregularities, and elevate professional standards across the health sector.
The agreements signed in Vihiga County are a bold step toward people-centered healthcare. They set an example for other counties to follow and reaffirm SHA’s role as a cornerstone in Kenya’s UHC agenda. By combining strong policy reforms, digital accountability tools, and a focus on critical healthcare needs, the scheme paves the way for a more resilient and inclusive health system.
