The Cabinet has ratified the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA), effective October 1, 2024.
A despatch from the Cabinet on Tuesday showed that the move seeks to accelerate the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“As Kenya transitions into the leagues of nations with universal health coverage, the scope of existing programmes such as Edu Afya will be broadened to encompass all school-going children, extending beyond its current focus on secondary school students,” the statement said.
The despatch noted that the Linda Mama Programme will be expanded to not only cover prenatal care but also provide comprehensive postnatal care, ensuring a holistic approach to maternal and child health.
“This expansion seeks to safeguard the well-being of both mother and child throughout the entire continuum of care.”
The Cabinet urged all Kenyans to register under the new scheme through *147# or www.sha.go.ke.
On Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa noted that more than 1.2 million Kenyans have voluntarily registered with the Social Health Authority.
Speaking during the launch of the countrywide training, Barasa has called on Kenyans to complete their registration promptly to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare services under the new scheme.
The registration portal was opened on July 1, 2024.
