The Social Health Authority (SHA) on Friday, April 10, 2026, announced access to specialized treatment abroad for eligible patients, a major win in healthcare delivery.
SHA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Mercy Mwangangi said the initiative targets conditions requiring advanced care beyond Kenya’s capacity.
Patients will now benefit from treatment in leading international healthcare centres, including cutting-edge cancer therapies such as proton therapy and advanced immunotherapy.
“This is a major step in expanding access to life saving care,” the SHA CEO stated.
The application portal is set to be operational within the next 72 hours.
Rules for overseas treatment access under SHA
Meanwhile, the Social Health Authority has introduced a structured framework for accessing treatment abroad, ensuring fairness and accountability.
The move introduces a structured and regulated pathway for overseas treatment, strengthening SHA’s push for equitable, high-quality healthcare.
SHA CEO said that only 36 approved procedures, published in a Gazette Notice, qualify for overseas coverage.
This will ensure that support is directed to patients with the most complex medical needs requiring specialized care.
SHA’s Usalama Cover
Recently, SHA welcomed over 130,000 Kenyan police and prison officers whose medical needs will be taken care of under the Usalama Cover.
The authority also covers primary and secondary school teachers under the Mwalimu Comprehensive Medical Cover.
According official government data, over 39 million Kenyans have enrolled to SHA
However, the national scheme which replaced National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in 2024 has been facing several financial challenges linked to low contributions.
National Assembly health comliuee recently expressed concerns that only 5 million Kenyans were actively paying premiums.
