Kenya’s ambitious journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reached a historic milestone this week as health cabinet secretary Aden Duale confirmed that 29 million citizens have now enrolled in the Social Health Authority (SHA). The announcement, made during a legislative retreat, signals a decisive shift from the defunct NHIF to a more modern, data-driven healthcare model.
The transition has not been without its critics, but the numbers presented by Duale tell a story of rapid uptake. To date, the authority has collected KSh 130.4 billion, with over KSh 93 billion already disbursed to health facilities across the 47 counties. This “settlement rate” of approximately 70% is a significant improvement over the payment delays that frequently crippled the previous system.
One of the most praised aspects of the new “Taifa Care” model is the integration of technology. According to the Ministry, over 10,200 facilities have been onboarded to a national digital health system, with 30,000 devices deployed to even the most remote areas. This “Digital Health Superhighway” is designed to reduce fraud—a problem that plagued NHIF for decades—and ensure that maternal and newborn care reaches those who need it most.
“No Kenyan should be left behind,” Duale told lawmakers, emphasising that the reforms are about more than just money—they are about dignity. The ministry is also fast-tracking the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025, which aims to standardise care across both public and private hospitals.
While 29 million enrolments are a massive achievement, the challenge now lies in sustainability. As the country moves toward a whole-of-government approach to health, the focus must remain on the 107,000 community health promoters who are the real backbone of this reform, taking basic services directly to the doorsteps of ordinary Kenyans.
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