The Ministry of Health has announced that a total of 19,340,978 Kenyans have registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a significant step toward universal healthcare coverage. Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa highlighted this achievement while acknowledging that challenges remain in optimizing the system’s effectiveness.
CS Barasa stated that means testing has been conducted for 3.33 million registrants, a process aimed at assessing financial capability for targeted support. However, she noted that this figure remains below expectations, emphasizing the need to enhance outreach efforts to boost participation.
In addition to individual registrations, the ministry has also made progress in enrolling healthcare facilities into the SHA system. Out of 17,755 active health facilities nationwide, 8,813 accounting for 56 percent have successfully enrolled, with 89 percent of them having successfully logged into the system.
Furthermore, since the introduction of SHA in October 2024, over one million Kenyans have accessed primary healthcare services, reflecting the program’s growing impact on public health.
One of the notable improvements under SHA has been the reduction in the processing time for pre-authorization requests. Previously, these requests took an average of 526 minutes to process. However, through digitization and streamlining of processes, this time has now been significantly cut down to just 76 minutes. This improvement ensures that patients receive timely approvals for medical services, reducing delays in critical healthcare interventions.
Despite these achievements, the CS expressed concerns over low registration rates on weekends, as well as limited uptake in specific regions such as Turkana, West Pokot, and Samburu counties. To address these challenges, the government plans to intensify community outreach programs beyond health service points. These efforts aim to encourage registration among marginalized and hard-to-reach populations, ensuring that SHA benefits are equitably distributed across the country.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health is focused on capacity-building initiatives to help healthcare facilities transition from manual to digital systems. This shift is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce paperwork, and improve the overall patient experience.
Barasa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s public health systems and ensuring emergency preparedness. She stressed that despite evolving global health dynamics, Kenya remains dedicated to maintaining essential services, including programs for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and other critical conditions.
The CS acknowledged that funding uncertainties and international policy shifts, particularly those from the U.S. government, present financial challenges to Kenya’s healthcare sector. However, she assured that Kenya is actively engaging both internal and external stakeholders to develop sustainable financing strategies to safeguard service delivery.
As part of its broader health sector reforms, the Ministry of Health is working to integrate HIV and TB management into the general healthcare system. This move aligns with global best practices, ensuring that these critical services are incorporated into Kenya’s broader health framework rather than being managed separately.
Barasa emphasized that strengthening the resilience of Kenya’s healthcare system remains a top priority. “By adapting to emerging realities and leveraging local solutions, the Ministry of Health aims to drive long-term sustainability while continuing to meet the health needs of Kenyans,” she stated.
With SHA registration surpassing 19 million and ongoing improvements in healthcare service delivery, Kenya is making significant strides toward achieving universal health coverage. However, continued efforts will be required to address regional disparities, boost weekend registration rates, and secure sustainable funding for long-term healthcare programs. Through collaborative efforts between the government, healthcare providers, and communities, SHA is poised to transform Kenya’s healthcare landscape and ensure equitable access to quality medical services.
