President William Ruto has unveiled a landmark healthcare initiative that will see 3.9 million vulnerable Kenyans benefit from free medical cover under the new Taifa Care programme.
Speaking on Friday at State House, Nairobi, during the launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA) Sponsorship for the Vulnerable, the President announced that the first cohort of 2.2 million Kenyans will immediately be enrolled, with another 1.7 million expected to follow.
To kick-start the rollout, the President presented the SHA with a cheque worth Sh4.419 billion, funds that will fully sponsor healthcare for those identified as most in need.
“Today, we are making a bold statement as a nation. We don’t want health to be a preserve of only the rich; we want health to be a right for every Kenyan,” Ruto declared.
The Taifa Care programme is part of the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda and will ensure beneficiaries have access to services across more than 9,000 public, private, and faith-based hospitals under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The cover will include both primary and specialised care, ranging from outpatient consultations to advanced treatments such as dialysis, cancer therapy, and hospital admissions.
Ruto emphasised that the scheme was not just a policy but a fulfilled campaign promise, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable healthcare.
“We made an irrevocable commitment to deliver Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans, regardless of their economic status. Today, we have taken another significant step in fulfilling that pledge,” he said.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale welcomed the initiative, saying it would ensure every Kenyan could walk into a health facility and access care without financial barriers. He pledged close collaboration with county governments to guarantee nationwide reach.
SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi detailed the services, noting that primary care will cover consultations, blood pressure checks, sugar and malaria tests, while secondary care will include treatment for diabetes, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.
“With this programme, no deserving household will be left behind. Kenyans can now seek healthcare with dignity, knowing cost will not stand in the way,” she said.
