SHA Initiative Expands Access to Care for Millions of Kenyans

The Ministry of Health, led by Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, has made significant strides in implementing the Social Health Authority (SHA), aimed at enhancing healthcare access across Kenya.

As of June 16, 2025, 23.6 million Kenyans have enrolled in the SHA program, with 5.7 million individuals benefiting from services at over 9,300 contracted health facilities nationwide. This expansive network includes 5,219 public hospitals, 3,650 private facilities, and 496 faith-based organizations dedicated to providing quality care.

The government has disbursed KES 43.8 billion in claims to ensure the program's sustainability and has rolled out digital health systems in 17 counties to improve efficiency and accountability. Additionally, a KES 10 billion revolving fund has been established to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines.

On June 16, 2025, the Ministry reported that 23,674,672 Kenyans have registered under the Taifa Care program, with 28,679 new registrations recorded.

CS Duale has emphasized the Ministry's commitment to delivering an affordable, accessible, and accountable healthcare system for all. Ongoing efforts to eliminate unlicensed and fraudulent facilities aim to guarantee quality care.

Key achievements include the complete digitalization of SHA operations, which has effectively reduced fraud by identifying 3 million fake individuals previously claiming benefits under the defunct NHIF.

Furthermore, the integration of regulatory bodies ensures that only compliant health facilities and licensed healthcare workers operate, eradicating quack practices. The implementation of paperless health records facilitates the portability of health data through the Afya Yangu platform.

The digitization initiative continues in 17 counties, including Mombasa, Embu, Kirinyaga, Nairobi, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Garissa, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Migori, Kakamega, Bungoma, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Nyandarua, and KDF facilities