Murang’a County Government, in collaboration with the Social Health Authority (SHA), has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to 31,416 vulnerable households. This initiative, under the Kang’ata Healthcare Programme, ensures indigent families will access fully-sponsored health insurance from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
The MoU, signed on Tuesday, follows a rigorous means-testing process conducted in November 2024 to identify eligible beneficiaries. Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata hailed the partnership as a vital step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“Murang’a County is proud to lead the way as the first county to implement this mandate, setting a benchmark for others. This collaboration demonstrates the power of national and county-level partnerships in enhancing healthcare access and strengthening Kenya’s social safety nets,” said Kang’ata.
Through the Kang’ata-care programme, beneficiaries will access essential health services, including inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and emergency care. The scheme also covers chronic illnesses and critical care, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare.
To guarantee uninterrupted services, the Murang’a County Government will pay premiums quarterly in advance, while SHA will manage beneficiary registration, provide ongoing support, and sensitize communities about the program. SHA CEO, Ingasira Robert, emphasized the importance of cooperation and data protection in the partnership’s success.
“This collaboration aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, bridging the gap between those who can afford health insurance and those requiring financial support. The SHA Insurance Act, 2023, empowers counties like Murang’a to support vulnerable households effectively,” Ingasira noted.
The county government has complemented this initiative by building over 20 hospitals, hiring additional healthcare staff, and introducing 38 telemedicine centers to enhance healthcare accessibility.
A joint coordination committee will oversee the program’s implementation, ensuring effective communication, issue resolution, and continuous monitoring. This comprehensive approach underscores Murang’a’s commitment to ensuring no resident suffers financial hardship in accessing healthcare.
The Kang’ata Healthcare Programme sets a precedent for other counties, showcasing the transformative potential of partnerships in achieving universal healthcare in Kenya.
