Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has kicked off talks aimed at moving police and prison officers from private medical insurers to the government-run Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), in a transition officials say is meant to improve access to care while cutting long-term costs.
Duale on Monday convened a high-level meeting bringing together the National Police Service (NPS), the Kenya Prisons Service and the Social Health Authority (SHA) to fast-track the shift, following a directive by President William Ruto.
The discussions focused on how to ensure the transition happens smoothly, without disrupting healthcare services for officers and their families.
A joint technical team drawn from the police, prisons and SHA was formed as part of the meeting. The team has been tasked with ironing out the details, including finalising benefit packages, agreeing on service delivery arrangements and developing a clear transition roadmap.
“This process is firmly anchored in the 5th Administration’s Universal Health Coverage agenda,” Duale said, adding that the goal is to bring all Kenyans under SHA while strengthening fairness and efficiency in health financing.
He noted that the move is not just about changing insurers, but about guaranteeing affordable, sustainable and quality healthcare for security personnel, who often face high health risks in the line of duty.
Senior government officials attended the meeting, among them Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gathecha, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Agency CEO Anthony Lenayara and NPS Accounting Officer Bernice Sialaal Lemedeket.
The transition is expected to offer police and prison officers stronger financial protection against medical costs, while also supporting the government’s broader push to fully roll out Universal Health Coverage.
Officials say further consultations will follow as the technical team works to ensure the shift is seamless and responsive to the unique healthcare needs of Kenya’s security personnel.
