This initiative, a collaboration between the Murang’a County Government and the Social Health Authority (SHA), will provide comprehensive health coverage to 31,416 indigent and vulnerable households across the county.
The program will run from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, offering a lifeline to many residents who have struggled to afford essential health services.
The announcement was made through a joint statement by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and SHA CEO Robert Ingasira, detailing the scope and objectives of the program.
"Murang’a County takes pride in being the first county in Kenya to implement this mandate, setting a benchmark for other counties," the statement reads.
The program is part of a broader national effort to expand healthcare access, with the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023 paving the way for counties to provide health services to those in need.
Under the Kang’ata Care initiative, the Murang’a County Government will sponsor health insurance premiums for the identified households.
The beneficiaries will receive essential health services, including inpatient and outpatient care, maternity services, emergency care, and treatment for chronic and critical illnesses.
These services will be provided by contracted healthcare providers within the county, ensuring that residents can access high-quality care without the burden of financial strain.
Governor Kang’ata emphasized the importance of ensuring that beneficiaries receive uninterrupted healthcare throughout the year.
"Premiums for beneficiaries will be paid quarterly in advance by the Murang’a County Government, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted access to services throughout the coverage period," he stated.
This proactive approach aims to eliminate any gaps in service delivery and guarantee that vulnerable populations receive timely medical attention.
The Social Health Authority, under the leadership of CEO Robert Ingasira, will play a key role in the program’s implementation.
SHA will manage the registration of beneficiaries, provide ongoing support, and ensure that the communities are well-informed about the services available to them.
Ingasira also highlighted that SHA would be responsible for sensitizing the public about the program, ensuring that everyone who qualifies for coverage is registered and aware of their rights.
The program is particularly timely, as it comes at a time when many Kenyans continue to face challenges in accessing affordable healthcare.
The initiative will also help address gaps in Kenya’s social safety nets, as it empowers counties to provide health coverage for the most vulnerable segments of the population.
To ensure the program's success, the Murang’a County administration will work closely with local communities to identify and profile indigent households.
Accurate records will be kept to streamline the registration process, and the county government will mobilize beneficiaries to ensure that no one is left behind.
Through the Kang’ata Care Health Program, Murang’a County has set a new standard for community-based health initiatives, providing a model that other counties may look to replicate as they seek to address healthcare disparities.
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