- Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under SHA officially took effect on October 1, 2024, replacing the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). SHA was established to advance UHC, guaranteeing affordable, quality healthcare for all citizens without financial hardship.
President William Ruto has announced that the Government is strengthening financial protection for Kenyans battling cancer. He revealed that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will enhance the Cancer Benefit Package from the current KSh550,000 to KSh800,000, effective December 1, 2025.
“This enhancement responds to the rising cost of cancer care and ensures patients can access quality and uninterrupted treatment without facing financial hardships,” Ruto said during his State of the Nation Address at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on November 20, 2025.
The President emphasized that healthcare begins long before patients reach hospitals. He has pointed to the deployment of 107,000 community health promoters in September 2023, trained and equipped to serve every ward across Kenya’s 47 counties.
“This initiative has already made an impact. 8.9 million households have been screened for diabetes, and 9.9 million screenings have been conducted. This is what equity looks like,” he added.
Ruto further noted that the government is modernizing hospital equipment to strengthen service delivery and ensure that Kenyans receive care that matches global standards.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under SHA officially took effect on October 1, 2024, replacing the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). SHA was established to advance UHC, guaranteeing affordable, quality healthcare for all citizens without financial hardship.
The transition was aimed at addressed long‑standing criticisms of NHIF’s inefficiencies and limited reach. SHA introduced comprehensive benefit packages covering cancer treatment, chronic disease management, maternal care, and emergency services. The system is designed to reduce out‑of‑pocket spending and protect families from catastrophic health costs, marking a new era in Kenya’s healthcare journey.
