By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has unveiled major enhancements to health benefit packages.
The move follows President Willia Samoei Ruto’s directive during the 2025 State of the Nation Address and resolutions from the 12th Ordinary Session of the National and County Governments Coordinating Summit.
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Published under Legal Notice No. 78 of 2026, the reforms are described by SHA as “a significant milestone in our commitment to Universal Health Coverage and leaving no Kenyan behind.”
Among the most impactful changes is the expansion of free maternity care at Level 2 and Level 3 primary healthcare facilities.
The notice states that “all registered beneficiaries have access to free delivery services at Level 2 and Level 3 primary healthcare facilities on a walk-in, walk-out basis.”
Facilities will be reimbursed Ksh 10,000 for normal deliveries and Ksh 30,000 for caesarean sections, with financing provided through the Primary Healthcare Fund.
Cancer care has also been strengthened considerably.
The annual Cancer Benefits Package has risen from Ksh 550,000 to Ksh 800,000, while allocations for chronic illnesses under the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund have increased from Ksh 150,000 to Ksh 400,000.
Patients will now benefit from holistic oncology consultations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, advanced diagnostics such as CT, MRI, and PET scans, and specialized therapies including brachytherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy.
“This fulfills the commitment made by the President… to protect patients from financial hardship,” the statement emphasized.
Additionally, SHA has introduced new support for sickle cell disease patients.
Coverage now includes apheresis platelets at Ksh 20,000 and red cell exchange at Ksh 70,000, each available up to three times per policy period.
Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Chief Executive Officer of SHA, highlighted the importance of these measures, noting that they are designed to ease the burden on families and ensure equitable access to lifesaving care.
