The government has announced major reforms to the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits package, including free maternity services at primary healthcare facilities and increased financial support for cancer patients.
The changes, unveiled on Monday, May 11, follow directives issued by President William Ruto during the 2025 State of the Nation Address and resolutions adopted at the 12th Ordinary Session of the National and County Governments Coordinating Summit.
SHA enhanced benefits package, free maternity
Under the revised package, all registered SHA beneficiaries will now receive free delivery services at Level 2 and Level 3 hospitals under a walk-in, walk-out system.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said healthcare facilities will be reimbursed KSh 10,000 for every normal delivery and essential newborn care case, while caesarean section procedures and newborn care will attract KSh 30,000 reimbursement.
The maternity package will also cover postnatal care for mothers and newborns, immunisation, laboratory tests, blood administration, family planning services and medication during and after admission.
In another major change, the government increased annual cancer treatment coverage from KSh 550,000 to KSh 800,000.
Support under the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund for chronic illnesses has also been raised from KSh 150,000 to KSh 400,000.
Patients undergoing cancer treatment are set to benefit from expanded consultation and diagnostic support, with oncology consultations involving cancer specialists, mental health experts and palliative care professionals now covered up to KSh 2,500 per visit.
“These reforms are designed to protect the health, dignity and financial well-being of every Kenyan by expanding access to critical healthcare services,” Duale said.
The revised package further includes chemotherapy administration at KSh 5,500 per session and radiotherapy at KSh 3,600 per session for up to 30 sessions.
The government has also enhanced support for advanced diagnostic procedures, including CT scans covered at KSh 6,900, MRI scans at KSh 11,000, PET scans at KSh 53,500 and PSMA PET scans at KSh 64,200.
Additionally, patients living with sickle cell disease will now benefit from coverage for apheresis platelets at KSh 20,000 and red cell exchange procedures at KSh 70,000, each capped at three sessions per policy period.
