NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has unveiled sweeping reforms to the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits package, introducing free maternity services at primary healthcare facilities and significantly increasing financial support for cancer treatment and chronic illnesses.
The changes, announced on Monday, follow directives issued by William Ruto during the 2025 State of the Nation Address and resolutions adopted at the 12th Ordinary Session of the National and County Governments Coordinating Summit.
Under the revised package, all registered SHA beneficiaries will now access free maternity and delivery services at Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities under a walk-in, walk-out model aimed at improving access to maternal healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said healthcare facilities will receive Ksh10,000 reimbursement for every normal delivery and essential newborn care case, while caesarean section deliveries and related newborn care services will attract Ksh30,000 reimbursement.
The maternity package will also include postnatal care, immunisation, diagnostic laboratory tests, blood transfusion services, family planning support and medication provided during admission and after discharge.
The reforms form part of the government’s broader push toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a flagship agenda that has remained central to the Kenya Kwanza administration’s healthcare strategy.
In one of the most significant adjustments, the annual cancer treatment benefit under SHA has been increased from Ksh550,000 to Ksh800,000, offering relief to thousands of families struggling with the high cost of oncology treatment.
At the same time, support under the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund for chronic diseases has risen from Ksh150,000 to Ksh400,000 annually.
Health officials say the revised package is intended to reduce catastrophic health expenditure among households, especially as cancer and chronic illnesses continue to place growing financial pressure on Kenyan families.
“These reforms are designed to protect the health, dignity and financial well-being of every Kenyan by expanding access to critical healthcare services,” said Duale.
The government also announced expanded oncology support services, including consultation coverage of up to Ksh2,500 per visit involving oncologists, palliative care experts and mental health specialists.
Additional treatment support under the revised package includes chemotherapy administration at Ksh5,500 per session and radiotherapy coverage at Ksh3,600 per session for up to 30 sessions.
Advanced diagnostic procedures have also been enhanced under the new tariffs. CT scans will now be covered at Ksh6,900, MRI scans at Ksh11,000, PET scans at Ksh53,500 and PSMA PET scans at Ksh64,200.
The package further introduces specialised support for patients living with sickle cell disease, including coverage for apheresis platelet procedures at Ksh20,000 and red blood cell exchange procedures at Ksh70,000, each capped at three sessions during a policy period.
“These interventions reaffirm our commitment to building an inclusive, responsive and people-centred healthcare system where no Kenyan is left behind,” Duale added.
The reforms come amid ongoing efforts by the government to stabilise the transition from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the SHA system, which was launched as part of wider healthcare reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and equitable access to medical services.
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The rollout of SHA has, however, faced criticism from sections of the public and healthcare stakeholders over technical challenges, delayed reimbursements and concerns about accessibility for vulnerable populations.
Despite the challenges, government officials maintain that the revised benefits package marks a significant step toward strengthening Kenya’s public healthcare system and reducing inequalities in access to specialised treatment.
Healthcare analysts say the increased cancer and chronic illness support could particularly benefit lower and middle-income households, many of whom have historically struggled to afford expensive long-term treatment.
The expansion of maternity services at lower-level facilities is also expected to ease congestion at referral hospitals while improving maternal and newborn health outcomes across the country.
