Kenya Transitions to New Health Coverage Scheme Starting October 1, 2024

The Kenyan Cabinet has approved a significant change in the country's health insurance system. Starting October 1, 2024, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will be replaced by the Social Health Authority (SHA).

This move is part of Kenya's push to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as outlined in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The decision aims to improve and expand existing health programs. One key change is the broadening of the Edu Afya program, which will now cover all school-aged children, not just those in secondary schools. 

This expansion is intended to provide better health support to students throughout their educational journey.

Additionally, the Linda Mama Programme will see an enhancement in its services. Previously focused mainly on prenatal care, the program will now offer comprehensive postnatal care as well. 

This expansion will ensure that both mothers and their newborns receive thorough care throughout the entire maternity period.

The Cabinet has urged all Kenyans to register for the new health scheme. Registration can be done easily through the short code *147# or by visiting the website www.sha.go.ke. Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa announced that more than 1.2 million Kenyans have already signed up for the SHA.

She emphasized the importance of completing registration to ensure uninterrupted access to health services under the new system.

The registration portal for SHA has been open since July 1, 2024, giving Kenyans ample time to transition from the NHIF to the new system. This shift is expected to improve healthcare access and quality for all citizens, aligning with Kenya's goal of universal health coverage.