Mental health patients will now be covered under government insurance benefits, Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has revealed.
The move followed the integration of mental health services into national insurance benefits packages under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“For the first time, mental health services are now part of the national insurance benefits package, ensuring that no Kenyan has to choose between caring for their mind and feeding their family,” said Duale.
The development is part of the Ministry of Health’s plan to transform the handling of mental health matters under the Mental Health Act, 2023 and the Kenya Mental Health Policy.
“The Ministry of Health continues to transform how mental health is perceived, financed, and delivered, guided by the Mental Health Act, 2023, and the Kenya Mental Health Policy,” he said.
“These policy frameworks affirm mental health as a fundamental human right, guaranteeing dignity, access, and protection for all Kenyans living with mental illness.”
Duale, who was speaking during the official opening of the 2nd National Mental Health Conference–2025, held in Nairobi, reaffirmed that the government's commitment to building sustainable and inclusive mental health systems in line with universal healthcare access.
Also Read: Duale Details Services to Be Offered for Free Under SHA
Person-Centred Support
To ensure that mental health services were decentralised to community levels, the ministry enlisted 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHP).
According to the CS, these promoters would provide person-centred support and bring mental health services closer to Kenyans.
“These frontline workers [CHP] provide early, person-centred support and bring essential services closer to communities, a key reform that reinforces the rollout of Kenya’s Taifa Care Model,” he said.
Expanded SHA Cover
Earlier, the ministry had revealed that private insurance would also provide complementary health coverage to expand the services available under SHA.
On August 18, Duale revealed that private insurers would henceforth complement the services offered by the government scheme with additional plans, including overseas care, elective procedures, and premium add-ons.
