The government has approved the allocation of Ksh950 million to cover the Social Health Authority (SHA) premiums for low-income Kenyans.
Principal Secretaries drawn from the Medical Services and Social Protection state departments shared the news following a meeting on Thursday, January 16.
“The government has earmarked Ksh950 million to offer SHA medical coverage to low-income households that cannot afford premiums,” part of the statement read.
PSs Harry Kimtai and Joseph Motari from the respective ministries also revealed the intrigues of their collaboration which will enable the initiative to reach 4.4 million eligible households identified in the social registry.
According to the statement, the Inua Jamii database which supports at least 1.75 million beneficiaries mostly from the older generation will also be crucial in the identification process.
“The Social Registry, encompassing over 4.4 million households, and the Inua Jamii database, which supports 1.75 million beneficiaries, will be used to identify eligible households,” the statement added. This brings the cumulative to Ksh6.15 million.
Upon identification, the beneficiaries will then be verified and offered SHA coverage for a year's worth of treatment.
“After verification, selected beneficiaries will receive 12 months of medical coverage, ensuring better healthcare access for vulnerable populations nationwide,” the statement concluded.
Since its roll-out in October 2024, SHA has faced several roadblocks with the most prominent one being Kenyans' opposition to it.
Even though its main aim was to make sure all Kenyans were covered, it received a lot of pushback as the amount slashed each month for the monthly contributions was deemed too high.
This meant that those who earned more would pay more for health insurance but ultimately get the same premiums as those paying lower amounts to achieve a uniform Universal Health Coverage.
In an interview late last year, PS Kimtai famously asked Kenyans unsatisfied with this arrangement to get additional private insurance.
“You do not say that if you are paying more in terms of your income, you should not get more benefits. It’s standard. If you like extra, you can pay for another cover like a private cover,” Kimtai said in the October 30 interview.
