BY DPCS
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said that the rollout of the SHA universal healthcare cannot be reversed, as over 29.4 million Kenyans have already registered for its medical treatment benefits.
The DP said the focus now is on making it perfect to ensure seamless, hitch-free access to healthcare services.
“The SHA programme has reached a level of irreversibility. We have to perfect it. With all these millions of Kenyans on board, we cannot imagine this programme not working. It will amount to letting the whole country down on such an important issue,” he reiterated.
The Deputy President spoke on Friday, February 13, 2026, when he chaired the 29th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi.
“Taifa Care is becoming universal because one of the aspects of universality is in the numbers. From 7 million NHIF beneficiaries to 29.4 million Kenyans under SHA. We are keeping on towards 40 million and above, then we can truly say we have a Universal Healthcare programme,” DP said.
Prof. Kindiki asked all the stakeholders to work closely to smoothen delivery of healthcare services, promising government support to push for continued enrollment and acquisition of medicine and medical equipment.
“IBEC encourages the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors and all stakeholders to keep the engagement and streamline all the outstanding issues,” DP noted.
How much has been collected under SHA?
A latest report by the Ministry of Health indicated that over 142 billion shillings have so far been collected in SHA premiums, and 102.3 billion shillings disbursed to health facilities in payment for medical services rendered to patients.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale informed the meeting that 1, 287 health facilities presented inaccurate details and their claims are pending.
“We urge the 1, 287 health facilities to urgently provide accurate bank details to clear pending payments by the end of the month. We cannot pay them because of inaccurate bank details,” the CS said.
IBEC resolved that the County Governments hasten the signing up for the installation of medical equipment under the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP). They were also urged to facilitate the signing of NESP addenda for the funding of equipment maintenance.
Free maternal services in Level 2 and 3 health facilities
Further, the Council resolved that the National Treasury should immediately release 2 billion shillings to kick-start free maternal services in Level 2 and 3 health facilities across the country.
The devolved units were also challenged to emulate Murang’a, Migori, Trans Nzoia and Mombasa that pay SHA premiums for vulnerable people and indigents in their counties.
The Ministry of Lands was also directed to work with the Council of Governors and other relevant government agencies to support the construction of affordable houses through fast-tracking approval of plans and transfer of title deeds.
Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome called for better cooperation with the county governments, saying it will ensure faster completion of housing projects being implemented collaboratively.
“Titling is a critical enabler of affordable housing. It ensures legal certainty and investor confidence. We know that over 50 per cent of the houses in the counties will be owned by residents. Let’s work together. The collaboration has been better and stronger, and we are seeing better results,” said CS Wahome.
