Kenyans are set to access expanded healthcare services after the Social Health Authority (SHA) announced significant enhancements to key benefit packages, including free maternity care at lower-level facilities and a major increase in cancer care funding.
The changes, published through Legal Notice No. 78 of 2026, follow President William Ruto’s directive during the 2025 State of the Nation Address and resolutions from the 12th Ordinary Session of the National and County Governments Coordinating Summit.
Which facilities offer free maternity services under SHA?
In a move aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality, all registered SHA beneficiaries will now access free delivery services at Level 2 and Level 3 primary healthcare facilities on a walk-in basis.
The services are fully financed through the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF).
SHA will reimburse facilities Ksh 10,000 for normal delivery and essential newborn care, and Ksh 30,000 for caesarean sections and essential newborn care.
What is SHA’s cancer care package?
To shield patients from financial hardship, the annual Cancer Benefits Package has been raised from Ksh 550,000 to Ksh 800,000. The Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund allocation for chronic illnesses has also grown from Ksh 150,000 to Ksh 400,000.
The enhanced package now covers:
- Holistic Oncology Consultations: Up to Ksh 2,500 per visit, including oncologists, nutritionists, mental health support, and palliative care.
- Treatment: Chemotherapy at Ksh 5,500 and Radiotherapy at Ksh 3,600 per session for 30 sessions.
- Advanced Diagnostics: CT scans at Ksh 6,900, MRI at Ksh 11,000, PET scans at Ksh 53,500, and PSMA PET scans at Ksh 64,200.
- Specialized Therapies: Brachytherapy at Ksh 40,000 for three sessions, and SBRT/SBRS up to Ksh 70,000 for 5 sessions.
- Supportive Care: Medicines up to Ksh 10,000 and remission follow-up care as per national treatment protocols.
New support for sickle cell disease under SHA cover
SHA has also introduced coverage for selected sickle cell disease services. These include apheresis platelets at Ksh 20,000 and Red Cell exchange at Ksh 70,000, each covered up to three times per policy period.
SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi said the enhancements mark “a significant milestone in our commitment to Universal Health Coverage and leaving no Kenyan behind.”
Registered beneficiaries and healthcare providers seeking clarification on the new benefits have been advised to contact SHA through its toll-free line 147 or visit http://www.sha.go.ke.
