Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced the ministry’s plans to review and upscale packages under the Social Health Authority (SHA) program.
The initiative comes in response to feedback from Kenyans requesting improvements, particularly in oncology services.
Why government plans to revise SHA packages
CS Duale revealed that the ministry is working closely with the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel to ensure that the revised SHA packages are fair, evidence-based, affordable, and financially sustainable, in line with the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
A key focus of the review is the oncology package, currently capped at Ksh 550,000.
Many Kenyans have requested an increase, citing the high costs of cancer treatment.
The announcement was made as Duale presided over the annual convention of the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH) in Nairobi.
Speaking at the event, the CS also reassured stakeholders that the Ministry of Health remains committed to making the SHA program effective in delivering quality healthcare to all Kenyans.
He further highlighted the 5th Administration’s UHC agenda, focusing on a skilled workforce, innovative financing through SHIF, secure locally made health products, and a fully digital health system.
Importance of private sector in healthcare
In addition, the CS urged the private sector to partner with government in raising standards, protecting patients, securing facilities, and improving medical training.
The KMPDC is being strengthened to license based on safety and minimum standards, accelerating quality healthcare.
Digital health adoption will help eliminate unqualified practitioners and fraud, while foreign specialists will be engaged only for verified local shortages, with time-bound approvals linked to skills transfer.
The convention culminated with the launch of the KAPH Anti-Fraud Policy, a key step in self-regulation aligned with SHA, Digital Health Authority, and KMPDC frameworks to curb fraud, waste, and abuse.
