Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has made a fresh appeal to Kenyans to enrol in the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying that the country’s dream of delivering truly universal healthcare can only be achieved if every family is covered.
During two candid, call-in sessions on KBC Radio Taifa and Radio Iftin, Duale fielded questions from listeners who wanted clarity on the ongoing shift from the National Health Insurance Fund to SHA. Many callers expressed concerns about access, costs and how the reforms would work in practice.
Duale reassured them that the new system is designed with ordinary Kenyans in mind. He said the goal is to ensure that anyone who walks into a health facility whether in a busy town or a remote village can get care without worrying about the financial burden.
He explained that the reforms are anchored on stronger primary healthcare, better emergency medical services and new protections through the Critical Illness Fund, which is expected to shield families from catastrophic medical bills.
According to the CS, the Government has already mobilised KSh 81 billion to support the rollout and ease the transition. Registration numbers are rising steadily, with more than 30 million Kenyans already signed up an important step toward spreading risk and making healthcare financing fairer for everyone.
Duale also spoke passionately about the Government’s efforts to protect vulnerable groups. He spotlighted the Linda Jamii Scheme, which has replaced Linda Mama and is tailored to support adolescent mothers who often struggle to access care.
The programme gives them free prenatal, delivery and postnatal services and uses a special identification number for those who do not have a parent’s ID. So far, 22,000 young mothers have received care through the scheme.
For the CS, the reforms are not just about overhauling a system they are about restoring dignity and ensuring that even the most marginalised communities can find help when they need it.
“Our commitment is to reach every Kenyan,” Duale said, noting that the Government is paying special attention to remote and underserved regions. “No one should be left behind as we build a healthcare system that works for all.”
He urged Kenyans to register under SHA, saying their participation is essential in shaping a healthier, more equitable future for the country.
