13 million Kenyans enrol in new Social Health Authority
DOUGLAS NAMUNANE -PCO
At least 13 million Kenyans had enrolled in the new Social Health Authority (SHA) as of October 31, 2024.
Making the announcement, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa said that of the total registered persons, approximately 7.2 million transitioned from the phased-out National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), while 6.2 million are new entrants.
“I’m pleased to note that, so far, 13,344,674 Kenyans have registered. Among these are 7,152,487 who transitioned from NHIF and 6,192,188 new registrations,” Dr. Barasa explained.
Speaking in an exclusive interview at her Afya House office in Nairobi, Dr. Barasa also revealed that 29,598 employers, in addition to 7,411 healthcare providers, are registered with SHA.
She stated that SHA beneficiaries seeking medical services at Level Two and Three facilities across the country will receive treatment at no cost.
“SHA registrants will benefit from free treatment at Level Two and Three facilities and have access to essential services under the emergency critical illness funds,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
Dr. Barasa noted that, under the SHA claims benefit analysis, the government has allocated a substantial Sh102.8 million to cater for mental wellness services.
“Under the claims benefit analysis, the top ten services provided within SHA in the first month included mental wellness services, which were not previously covered under NHIF, amounting to Sh102.8 million,” she revealed.
The Cabinet Secretary said other services include outpatient services amounting to Sh273.8 million, inpatient services at Sh774.9 million, and renal care services at Sh244.4 million, as well as haemato-oncology services, maternal, neonatal, and child health services.
Dr. Barasa further mentioned that the Ministry has put in place adequate measures to facilitate the swift processing of claims within 90 days.
“Moving forward, claims will be processed within 90 days to maintain sustainability and responsiveness in healthcare service provision,” she said.
The Cabinet Secretary added that the SHA system is now fully operational, with initial technical issues being effectively resolved to ensure smooth service delivery.
She highlighted that a dedicated multidisciplinary team has been mobilized at the regional and county levels to support and optimize coverage in all healthcare facilities, ensuring continuity of service delivery under SHA.
Dr. Barasa emphasized that SHA registration, which is open to all Kenyans, ensures that everyone, regardless of location or background, can access quality healthcare.
“The system is designed to be universally inclusive, meaning that public, private, and faith-based healthcare facilities across Kenya operate under the same SHA guidelines, standards, and services.
This consistency ensures that registered individuals receive the same quality of care and benefits,” Dr. Barasa added.
The Cabinet Secretary urged Kenyans who have yet to register with SHA to do so, noting that it will help them access comprehensive healthcare services.
To enroll, interested individuals are required to dial USSD Code *147# or visit online portals AfyaYangu.go.ke or SHA.go.ke.