Frontier Correspondent
Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) has registered more than 27 million citizens under its landmark healthcare program, just one year after its launch — a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the milestone during a press briefing at Afya House, calling it “a testament to public trust and a shared national commitment to equitable healthcare.”
“This milestone reflects the trust Kenyans have in our vision for a healthier nation,” Duale said.
“With 27 million registered, we’re not just building a system—we’re securing the health and future of every Kenyan family. Our commitment is unwavering: every citizen deserves quality care, and we’re working tirelessly to make that a reality across all corners of the country,” the CS added.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale presiding over a consultative meeting with the Council of Governors (CoG.
Established under the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023, SHA replaced the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) as the cornerstone of Kenya’s new health financing framework.
The authority has so far enrolled over 1.5 million vulnerable citizens under its subsidized coverage program, guaranteeing free primary healthcare and affordable inpatient and outpatient services.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, speaking in Tharaka Nithi County, hailed the milestone as a game-changer in Kenya’s public health landscape.
“SHA is transforming lives by connecting millions to essential health services, from maternal care to chronic disease treatment,” Kindiki said.
“I call on every Kenyan to register and be part of this movement toward a healthier, stronger nation”, he added.
The government targets to hit 30 million enrollments by the end of 2025, driven by grassroots mobilization, user-friendly digital registration platforms such as sha.go.ke, and strong partnerships with county governments.
SHA is also reinforcing Kenya’s health ecosystem through collaborations with institutions like the Kenya Biovax Institute for local vaccine production, and international partners such as Germany for technology transfer and capacity building.
As the country celebrates this landmark achievement, the Ministry of Health reaffirmed its pledge to expand access, strengthen healthcare delivery, and ensure that every Kenyan—regardless of income or location—benefits from quality, affordable health services.