The government has disbursed KSh 4 billion to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to finance medical cover for public servants under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku said the move affirms the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its workforce while advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking at ACK St. Peter’s Cathedral Siakago in Mbeere North, Embu County, during the annual ACK Women’s Union service, Ruku said the allocation will cushion public servants against high out-of-pocket expenses. He noted that about 30,000 Kenyans are registering daily under SHA, reflecting growing trust in the new healthcare system.
“Public servants are already covered. What remains is for us to diligently serve wananchi and support the rollout of SHA so that every Kenyan can access affordable and quality healthcare,” he said.
SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi confirmed receipt of the funds, assuring Kenyans that transparency and accountability measures are in place to prevent mismanagement.
President William Ruto, represented at the service by Lands and Housing CS Alice Wahome, described SHA as a “game-changer” in the country’s health sector. She urged churches and communities to take the lead in sensitization and mass registration.
“SHA is the game-changer for a healthy community. We must educate, we must mobilize, and above all, we must register,” Wahome said.
She also updated the gathering on the Affordable Housing Programme, revealing that 170,000 units are nearing completion and 670,000 Kenyans have already applied.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire disclosed that since July, KSh 213 million has been disbursed to Embu Level 5 Hospital. She noted that maternity services are now fully free and that Embu ranks fifth nationally in SHA registration, with 302,000 residents (55% of the county’s population) signed up.
“Health is personal. You are the only one who will suffer if you do not register,” said Mbarire, encouraging both men and women to embrace regular health checkups, including cancer screening.
The service also witnessed the induction of 987 women into the Mothers’ Union, led by ACK Dean Bishop Moses Masamba of the Diocese of Mbeere. Members also contributed to the Green Blue Apartment Siakago project, a housing initiative by the Diocese’s Women’s Department.
