The Social Health Authority (SHA) has disbursed over Ksh56 billion in the past ten months to accelerate the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Kenya.
Speaking during the official launch of the National Equipment Service Project at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto revealed that SHA channeled Ksh49.7 billion through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and an additional Ksh6.7 billion through the Primary Healthcare Fund.
President Ruto applauded SHA’s performance, stating that the authority has already outpaced the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in terms of impact. He noted that by the time SHA marks its first anniversary, it will have disbursed nearly three times NHIF’s highest-ever annual payout.
“Since October 2024, SHA has paid a total of Ksh.56.4 billion, comprising Ksh.49.7 billion from the Social Health Insurance Fund and Ksh.6.7 billion under the Primary Healthcare Fund. This digital transformation is giving Kenyans faster, more transparent, and more dignified access to healthcare,” he stated.
“In a year, the most NHIF ever paid was between Ksh.22 billion and Ksh.25 billion. In 10 months, SHA has paid Ksh.56.4 billion. In fact, by the first anniversary, SHA will have paid three times what NHIF ever paid in a year.”
Ruto revealed that the Social Health Authority (SHA) enrolled more than 25.2 million Kenyans and involved more than 11,000 medical providers at inception. These include hospitals, clinics, and health centers spread across the country, incredibly expanding medical services availability.
The Head of State also issued notice to individuals attempting to defraud the health system. He made it clear that any malpractice reported by SHA’s monitoring system would be thoroughly investigated and punished in accordance with the law.
“If you are trying to game the system, beware: You are already on our radar. The system is flagging such attempts, and investigations are ongoing. In due course, the outcomes will be made clear to all, and the fraudsters shall face the consequences of their criminal actions,” President Ruto warned.
Richard Kamau
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