Kenya expands health coverage to reach nearly 33 million people

Kenya has expanded health coverage to more than 32.3 million people as the Government advances reforms aimed at protecting households from high medical costs and ensuring access to healthcare is based on need rather than ability to pay.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale highlighted the progress during a high-level ministerial dialogue at the 76th session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for Africa.

The dialogue brought together African health ministers to examine sustainable approaches to financing healthcare and accelerating Universal Health Coverage across the continent.

CS Duale said Kenya’s transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund to the Social Health Authority is replacing a fragmented and employment-based system with a more inclusive and sustainable model.

Previously, health insurance covered only about a quarter of the population, leaving many farmers, traders, casual workers and vulnerable households to pay for treatment directly.

Out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure reached approximately USD 1.2 billion annually, exposing families to financial hardship whenever serious illness occurred.

The reforms have registered more than 32.3 million people, equivalent to approximately 55 per cent of Kenya’s population. Primary healthcare is now funded by the National Government, with more than USD 210 million committed to support services at community and primary-care levels.

The financing framework has supported more than 20 million outpatient visits by 15 million people, over 1.2 million safe deliveries and approximately 500,000 surgical procedures.

Through the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, more than 50,000 cancer patients and nearly 21,000 people requiring dialysis have also received support.

Digitization is strengthening transparency and efficiency across the health system.

More than 95 per cent of health facilities—6,424 out of 6,727—have been digitized, while Social Health Authority (SHA) has automated registration, pre-authorization and claims processing.

Duale called for sustained domestic health financing across Africa, backed by responsive technology, strong political leadership and mutually beneficial international partnerships.

Government Moves to Strengthen Specialised Rehabilitation Services

Meanwhile Kenya is also exploring ways to expand specialized rehabilitation services at the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital (NSIRH) to accommodate patients recovering from stroke, major surgery and other disabling conditions.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga toured the hospital in Kilimani, Nairobi, On August 26, 2026 to review service delivery, assess ongoing projects, engage healthcare workers and identify priority areas requiring government support.

Dr Oluga inspected clinical and rehabilitation units, physiotherapy services, diagnostic and treatment areas, as well as equipment installed under the National Equipment Service Programme.

He reviewed how the equipment is being utilised to improve specialised patient care.

The PS commended healthcare workers for their dedication, noting that NSIRH plays a critical role in treating and rehabilitating people with spinal cord injuries from Kenya and the wider East and Central African region.

He called for increased investment in specialised skills, modern technology and infrastructure and encouraged the hospital’s management to develop practical proposals outlining its priority needs.

While engaging staff, Dr Oluga emphasised the importance of a responsive workforce, specialised training, sustainable health financing and patient-centred care in implementing the Government’s health reforms.

Dr Oluga was received by NSIRH Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Sorem Otieno. Also present were Head of the Division of Spinal Health and Specialised Services Dr Dennis O. Otwori, Head of the Division of Integrated Health Services Dr Andrew Muriithi and senior hospital staff.