Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has lauded Lipa SHA Pole Pole as a game-changer in delivering affordable healthcare to Kenyans in the informal sector.
The model is part of the government’s new approach under Taifa Care—anchored in equity, transparency, and accountability.
“With Lipa SHA Pole Pole, contributors can pay daily, weekly, or monthly depending on their income flow. This flexible system respects how people earn and supports their access to care,” said CS Duale,” Duale said.
“Over 1.8 million informal sector contributors have already enrolled and made payments—surpassing previous enrolment trends,” he added.
Taifa Care replaces the former health insurance model with a more inclusive structure, where 95% of contributions go directly to healthcare services.
SHA also ensures prompt reimbursements to hospitals by the 14th of every month, enhancing trust and service delivery.
Administrative costs under SHA are capped at 5%, and contributions are determined through means testing—ensuring fairness across income levels.
“Lipa SHA Pole Pole is about equal opportunity. Whether you earn daily or monthly, you are part of the national health protection system,” CS Duale emphasized during a media briefing update on Monday, June 16, 2025.
Meanwhile, the CS said Kenya’s UHC agenda under Taifa Care was backed by strong investments in human resources and strategic partnerships with the private sector.
Duale highlighted some of the efforts the Kenya Kwanza administration has made to ensure the sector is adequately funded.
Budget allocation for health sector in Kenya
He noted that to support health workforce sustainability, the Ministry had allocated Ksh 6.2 billion for UHC contract health workers, Ksh 1.75 billion for arrears and RTWF agreements, as well as Ksh 4.2 billion to deploy new interns (doctors, pharmacists, clinical officers).
Additionally, Ksh 3.2 billion has been allocated for training and stipends of Community Health Promoters.
“This is a government that acts, not just talks. We are investing in the people who deliver care,” said CS Duale.
Moreover, Ksh 13 billion has been allocated for Primary Healthcare, with Ksh 8 billion earmarked for Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Care.
The Ministry is also expanding access through private sector partnerships with Aga Khan University Hospital and The Nairobi Hospital are now offering oncology and renal services—including kidney transplants—at SHA tariff rates with no out-of-pocket costs.
“A partnership with Roche Pharmaceuticals has reduced the cost of breast cancer drug Herceptin from Ksh 120,000 to Ksh 40,000,” the CS noted.
“These partnerships show our seriousness in lowering the cost of care and enhancing access,” he added.
