SHA is the reform engine of Kenya Kwanza’s health agenda, says CS Duale

Friday, February 27, 2026
Naivasha, Nakuru County

The transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) is the driving force behind the Kenya Kwanza Government’s health sector reforms, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said.
As of February 26, 2026, SHA had registered 29.7 million Kenyans, collected Ksh142.78 billion in contributions, and disbursed Ksh105 billion to healthcare providers.
“We have stabilised the system and achieved an average claims settlement rate of 73 per cent across the board,” the CS said.
Duale was speaking during an assessment and planning retreat for Senators in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
A key pillar of the new financing model is the realization of free Primary Healthcare (PHC). The State is currently rolling out a Service Charter to all primary healthcare facilities across the 47 counties. The Charter commits that at Level 2 and Level 3 facilities, a Kenyan should be able to walk in and walk out without paying a single shilling.
Already, 8.08 million Kenyans are accessing services under the PHC Fund — proof that when financial barriers are removed, citizens seek care early, preventing complications and saving lives.
To ensure inclusivity — particularly for informal sector workers such as mama mbogas and boda boda riders — SHA launched the “Lipa SHA Pole Pole” initiative, recognising that the informal nature of Kenya’s economy requires flexibility.
The payment model allows contributors to make small, manageable instalments toward their health cover instead of paying a lump sum.
“This has democratised access to insurance, ensuring that economic status is no longer a barrier to quality healthcare. We currently have 411,011 active payers utilising this model, contributing over Ksh1.4 billion — a clear indication that Kenyans are willing to pay for their health when given a dignified option,” Duale said.
The Ministry is also prioritising protection for the most vulnerable. The national government is currently sponsoring 558,000 indigent households under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Duale singled out Murang’a County for setting what he described as a gold standard by fully meeting its statutory obligation — sponsoring 38,000 indigent households and remitting their full annual premiums.
“Through the NG-CDF and various development partners, we are collectively sponsoring an additional 62,461 households,” he said, while urging Senators to champion similar efforts in their respective counties to accelerate universal health coverage at the grassroots.
However, the CS addressed concerns regarding the alleged loss of Ksh11 billion.
“I wish to categorically state that there has been no loss of Ksh11 billion from SHA. This figure — which currently stands at Ksh12.7 billion — represents claims that were flagged, rejected, and unpaid by our new digital gatekeeper. Therefore, this is money saved, not lost,” he clarified.