President William Ruto has said the Social Health Authority (SHA) has expanded health insurance coverage to 33 million people, compared with approximately seven million beneficiaries under the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, Ruto defended the transition to SHA, saying the new system was designed to expand access to healthcare across the country.
The President said more than 10,000 health facilities were receiving funds directly to purchase medicines, medical supplies and other essential commodities.
He further stated that SHA had disbursed KSh107 billion to health facilities across the country since January 1, 2026.
Ruto said the government had also digitised healthcare records to improve the sharing of patient information between facilities and streamline service delivery.
“SHA serves every Kenyan,” the President said, contrasting the new system with what he described as the more limited reach of NHIF.
The administration has presented the reforms as a step towards universal healthcare, although questions surrounding access, implementation and the experience of patients and providers remain important areas for public scrutiny.
