President William Ruto has lauded the increasing number of Kenyans enrolling in the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a significant step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Speaking at State House on Thursday during the swearing-in of two new Cabinet Secretaries and 14 Principal Secretaries, Ruto revealed that between 45,000 to 50,000 Kenyans are registering daily with the SHA.
The President commended the growing public confidence in the revamped health insurance scheme, which replaced the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). He noted that the surge in daily registrations signals widespread readiness among Kenyans to embrace an inclusive, accessible, and affordable healthcare system.
“The last time we had the highest registration in health insurance was about 7.8 million. That was the highest ever. Under this program, we now have 21 million Kenyans,” Ruto said. “On my dashboard, every day between 45,000 and 50,000 Kenyans register voluntarily because many have begun to experience that it is working.”
Ruto highlighted the transformative impact the SHA is having on the informal sector, particularly for everyday workers such as bodaboda operators and mama mboga (vegetable vendors). He praised their enthusiasm for the program, stating that their involvement underlines the inclusivity of the health reforms.
“The 50,000 Kenyans who are registering every day are the people who are out there. The bodaboda and mama mboga guys and all the other people have realised that this program carries everybody on board,” he emphasized.
Despite initial challenges surrounding the rollout of SHA, the government remains confident in the system’s ability to meet the healthcare needs of all citizens. Ruto reiterated that the administration’s broad-based approach and coordinated efforts are key to ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing essential health services.
“This broad-based government is the one that is going to deliver on Universal Health Coverage, and I am very proud of the progress that we are making,” he said.
The Social Health Authority is expected to be a cornerstone in transforming Kenya’s healthcare landscape, with continued registration signaling growing trust and participation from citizens across the country.
