CS Duale Announces Review and Expansion of SHA Benefits to Strengthen UHC Delivery
Nairobi, Kenya - - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. 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.
Hon. 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 Hon. Duale presided over the annual convention of the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH) in Nairobi. He reassured stakeholders that the Ministry remains committed to making the SHA program effective in delivering quality healthcare to all Kenyans.
Speaking to delegates, the CS 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.
He 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.