The government has moved to quell fears that civil servants may be denied access to medical services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance programme, terming such claims as false and alarmist.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku strongly refuted reports suggesting that civil servants and their dependents could soon face disruptions in healthcare access.
“We note with serious concern the misleading news reports claiming that civil servants will not have access to healthcare services through the Social Health Authority’s health insurance program. These reports are grossly inaccurate and risk causing unnecessary alarm,” Ruku said.
He assured the public that civil servants will continue to receive medical care in all public hospitals, as well as in accredited and contracted private and faith-based health facilities nationwide. According to the CS, no civil servant or their eligible dependents will be required to pay cash at any contracted healthcare facility.
“Access to quality and seamless healthcare services remains guaranteed as it has been over the years,” he stated.
Ruku also clarified that any health facilities currently suspended from the SHA network due to malpractice or non-compliance with contractual obligations are barred from serving all Kenyans—not just civil servants. This, he explained, is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that only compliant healthcare providers remain within the system.
The Cabinet Secretary further reassured public servants that the government remains committed to safeguarding their welfare and that there will be no interruption in the provision of healthcare services.
“The Ministry assures all civil servants and their dependents that their healthcare services remain uninterrupted and that their welfare is fully safeguarded,” he affirmed.
The SHA programme, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), is part of government reforms aimed at achieving universal health coverage by streamlining benefits, expanding access, and tightening oversight over service providers.
Ruku’s remarks come amid public debates and anxiety over the new system’s implementation, with the government now seeking to dispel misinformation and maintain confidence among civil servants and the wider public.
