The SHA’s renal care package goes well beyond previous national health initiatives, addressing critical gaps in the old system.
SHA, patients gain access to essential renal services such as hemodialysis,
Health CS Deborah Barasa/Handout
Kenya’s journey toward universal healthcare has reached a critical junction, with the Social Health Authority (SHA) unveiling an expanded renal care pack that could be a game-changer for thousands of Kenyans.
Chronic Kidney disease (CKD), often a result of widespread diseases like diabetes and hypertension, has become a silent crisis, accounting for about two per cent of all deaths in the country.
With SHA’s renewed commitment, the government has taken a decisive step to make renal care affordable, accessible and comprehensive as with any bold reform, the path forward is complex, demanding clear actions to overcome implementation challenges and fulfil this promise to Kenyans.
The SHA’s renal care package, launched in October 2024, goes well beyond previous national health initiatives, addressing critical gaps in the old system.
SHA, patients gain access to essential renal services such as hemodialysis, advanced hemodiafiltration, pre-and post-transplant care and even comprehensive support for kidney transplant surgeries - a stark improvement from limitations of the previous National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) model.
Before SHA, patients with end-stage renal disease relied on two covered dialysis sessions a week, funded at Sh9,500 per session.
Under SHA, not only are three sessions covered, but the support also extends to advanced procedures, catheter insertions and post-transplant medications, providing more inclusive and financially feasible care.
Health CS Deborah Barasa/Handout
However, making this promise of accessible renal care a reality demands more than policy shifts; it requires operational and systemic adjustments.
SHA’s initial rollout faced technical issues, from a new portal system that healthcare providers encountered difficulties navigating, to delays that affected timely patient registration and reimbursement.
There were gaps in patient awareness, with many Kenyans and healthcare workers unaware of the available expanded benefits.
The transition was thus met with challenges that limited its immediate impact on those needing urgent care.
These challenges underscore the need for strategic action. To fully leverage the SHA’s potential, the Ministry for Health has addressed the technical shortcomings that hindered early access to care.
Enhancing portal usability, coupled with rigorous training for healthcare providers, is underway to ensure smooth operations and efficient service delivery.
Moreover, a targeted public awareness campaign is ongoing to inform patients and caregivers of the expanded benefits, allowing them to take full advantage of the SHA’s renal care package.
Yet beyond these immediate fixes, sustainable renal care requires a deeper investment in Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure.
Establishing a national registry for kidney diseases would allow for effective tracking and management, supporting SHA’s vision of universal coverage by providing critical data on patient outcomes and care requirements.
Developing national guidelines for CKD and related renal conditions would standardise and improve treatment across the country, ensuring that every Kenyan, regardless of their location, has access to quality care.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa/Handout
In many ways, SHA’s renal care
package is a lifeline for patients and families who have struggled to afford
the high costs of renal care.
Chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal
failure are life-altering conditions, often leaving families financially
strained and emotionally depleted.
By prioritising renal care, SHA is
addressing a public health issue that has too long been left to chance and
luck.
While SHA’s commitment to renal care
is indeed a milestone, it must be supported by a relentless focus on continuous
improvement and stakeholder collaboration.
Renal care cannot be achieved in
isolation - it requires coordination with hospitals, healthcare providers and
communities to ensure that the most vulnerable Kenyans receive timely and
effective care.
As Kenyans move forward with SHA, it
is essential to recognise that health
reform is a marathon, not a sprint.
The SHA’s renal care initiative is a
critical step, but the journey to universal, affordable healthcare will require
persistence, investment and the political will to confront obstacles with
solutions.
Through SHA, Kenya is not only promising improved healthcare but
also building a foundation for a healthier, stronger future - one that offers
every Kenyan quality and affordable healthcare, no matter the health challenges
they face.
Let us take that step together by registering with SHA, making
healthcare a shared national priority for all.
Dr Deborah Barasa is the Cabinet Secretary for Health
