Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA) sponsorship programme at State House, Nairobi.
The landmark initiative will see the government cater for the healthcare needs of more than 550,000 vulnerable households, translating to over 2.2 million Kenyans who will now access medical care free of charge.
Speaking during the launch on Friday, President William Ruto said the programme marked another milestone in fulfilling his administration’s pledge to deliver healthcare for all, regardless of economic status.
“We made an irrevocable commitment to deliver Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans, regardless of their economic status,” President Ruto said.
“Today, we have taken another significant step in fulfilling that pledge. Through the new SHA Sponsorship Programme, more than 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans will now access medical care free of charge. We will continue identifying and bringing more of our most vulnerable citizens into this fold, ensuring they benefit from a healthcare system that is robust, responsive, and truly equitable.”
The Head of State commended development partners and private sector actors who have already stepped in to support the initiative.
He singled out the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for sponsoring 22,115 vulnerable households, and private sector players who contributed support for an additional 105 households.
Ruto also challenged governors to take up their constitutional role in sponsoring disadvantaged households within their counties.
“This is not about the government alone, it is a collective mission,” he said, urging more partners and corporates to join hands in advancing UHC.
Government officials present at the event assured Kenyans that the identification of beneficiaries will remain a continuous process, allowing more households to benefit as resources expand.
The programme will cover households most at risk, including those living in extreme poverty, with the aim of reducing out-of-pocket expenses, promoting early treatment, and strengthening disease prevention.
President Ruto noted that one of the biggest challenges facing public hospitals is the shortage of medicines.
He directed the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to raise its refill rate to 90 percent by November, noting that SHA reimbursements will help overcome frequent drug shortages.
The rollout of the sponsorship is viewed as a critical step toward the government’s goal of enrolling 30 million Kenyans into the UHC programme by December.
If fully implemented, the scheme is expected to reduce inequality in access to healthcare, strengthen service delivery, and give millions of vulnerable Kenyans a chance to live healthier and more productive lives.
