The newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA) is now fully functional and registering thousands of Kenyans daily, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale told Members of Parliament on the Committee on Delegated Legislation during a session focused on Kenya’s digital health reforms.
Appearing before the Committee chaired by Hon. Samuel Chepkong’a (Ainabkoi), CS Duale acknowledged that the SHA encountered some initial teething problems but assured the lawmakers that the system has since stabilized and is delivering benefits to Kenyans.
"Like any new programme, SHA faced some initial challenges, which was expected. However, I can now confirm that the system is working and many Kenyans are benefiting, while more are registering every day," Duale said, adding that at least 5,000 people had signed up by the morning of the meeting. "We expect the number to rise to over 10,000 by the end of the day."The session also focused on two key digital health regulations intended to establish an integrated and secure healthcare system. The Digital Health (Health Information Management Procedures) Regulations, 2025, The Digital Health (Data Exchange Component) Regulations, 2025
These regulations are part of the broader shift from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). To support this transition, the Ministry rolled out a *USSD code 147# to simplify registration and access to SHA services.
Committee members welcomed the progress but called for stronger public awareness campaigns, particularly in rural areas.
"The Ministry, under your leadership, has made good progress. However, we still need robust public awareness campaigns to increase understanding and uptake, especially at the grassroots level," said Hon. Chepkong’a. He also urged the Ministry to ensure public health facilities clearly indicate the services offered under SHA and mark their service levels for public guidance.
CS Duale emphasized that the new digital health law will significantly improve service delivery, enhance transparency, and help weed out unqualified health practitioners.
In a separate sitting, the Committee also reviewed and approved the Public Service Commission (State Corporations and Public Universities) (Disciplinary Appeals Procedures) Regulations, 2025. PSC Chairperson Anthony Muchiri said the regulations aim to create a fair, structured process for handling disciplinary appeals in public institutions.
All three regulatory frameworks—SHA-related digital health regulations and the PSC appeals procedures—were unanimously approved by the Committee.
