Government Launches “Lipa SHA Pole Pole” Model to Expand Health Coverage for Informal Workers
Homabay County, KENYA- - H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto unveiled the “Lipa SHA Pole Pole” Initiative during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations held at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County—a transformative model under the Social Health Authority (SHA) designed to accelerate the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Kenya.
The initiative allows Kenyans in the informal sector to pay for their SHA health insurance cover through affordable and flexible instalments, ensuring access to essential healthcare without financial hardship. Integrated into the Hustler Fund ecosystem through an Insurance Premium Financing product, the model deepens financial inclusion while bringing healthcare closer to the people.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, who accompanied the President at the event, hailed the initiative as a bold and practical step toward equitable health access.
“This is a significant milestone in our journey towards Universal Health Coverage,” said CS Duale. “By enabling informal sector workers to contribute affordably, we are strengthening our promise to deliver health services that are accessible, inclusive, and dignified for every Kenyan. The Ministry is fully committed to working with all partners to actualise this vision.”
Hon. Duale joined Deputy President H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, members of the Executive, and leaders from both National and County Governments for the national celebration.
This year’s Madaraka Day was themed “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth,” reflecting the government’s broader commitment to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). While celebrating the potential of maritime and aquatic resources, the event also reinforced the Kenya Kwanza administration’s emphasis on strengthening foundational sectors like health.
In addition to the SHA reforms, the President announced the transition from the Managed Equipment Services (MES) model to the National Equipment Supply Programme (NESP). Under this new framework, the national government, in collaboration with counties, will procure medical equipment directly from manufacturers, based on county-specific needs.
Equipment will be deployed on a fee-for-service basis, aligned with gazetted SHA tariffs, ensuring quality service delivery, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.