Over 17.8 million Kenyans have registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA). This was revealed by Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Director General of Health, during a press briefing on Kenya’s healthcare reforms.
The total registrations include 13.2 million new members and an additional 4.6 million who transitioned from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) following its integration into the SHA system. This transformation represents a critical step in Kenya’s journey toward ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens.
Dr. Amoth highlighted the Ministry of Health’s efforts to streamline registration processes by integrating SHA’s systems with various government data platforms, such as the NHIF, civil registry, and the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
“This integration addresses challenges such as capturing birth certificates. Parents are encouraged to log in and confirm their dependants,” he stated.
This enhanced system is designed to ensure efficiency and eliminate loopholes, while also encouraging more Kenyans to register and secure their access to healthcare services.
A key aim of the SHA reforms is to eliminate the financial burden of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, which have historically left many Kenyans vulnerable. Dr. Amoth emphasized that the reforms are geared toward creating a system where healthcare is not a financial hardship for families.
“SHA reforms aim to end financial hardship caused by out-of-pocket healthcare costs,” he noted.
Since October 2024, the government has reimbursed over KSh 9 billion to health facilities across the country, ensuring sustainability and continuity of services under SHA.
Dr. Amoth also provided updates on the progress made under SHA in improving healthcare delivery. To date, 7,900 health facilities have signed manual contracts with SHA, while 2,602 facilities have completed e-contracting. An additional 1,753 facilities are in the process of finalizing their contracts.
Through SHA, significant advancements have been achieved in patient care. Beneficiaries of the program have received vital services, including eight kidney transplants, 8,300 dialysis sessions, and treatment for 21,000 oncology cases.
“Under the Social Health Authority, significant strides have been made in improving healthcare services,” Dr. Amoth reiterated.
The Ministry of Health’s efforts align with Kenya’s broader agenda to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030. The SHA is at the forefront of this mission, ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and effective for all Kenyans.
Dr. Amoth’s briefing underscores the government’s commitment to building a robust healthcare system that guarantees citizens’ well-being and protects them from financial risks associated with medical expenses.
