SHA CEO Mercy Mwangagi addresses the media during her official report at SHA offices, Nairobi on June 3, 2025/ FILE
by PERPETUA ETYANG
One of the key changes is the introduction of free maternity care services at Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities. The Social Health Authority has announced major enhancements to selected health benefit packages in a move aimed at strengthening Universal Health Coverage and easing the financial burden on patients.
The reforms follow directives issued by William Ruto during the 2025 State of the Nation Address, resolutions from the 12th Ordinary Session of the National and County Governments Coordinating Summit, as well as public participation and healthcare utilisation data.
Social Health Authority CEO Nancy Mwangangi said one of the key changes is the introduction of free maternity care services at Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities.
"These enhancements, published by the Cabinet Secretary for Health in consultation with the SHA Board through Legal Notice No. 78 of 2026, mark a significant milestone in our commitment to Universal Health Coverage and leaving no Kenyan behind," Mwangagi said.
Under the new arrangement, all registered beneficiaries will access free delivery services at primary healthcare facilities on a walk-in, walk-out basis, with the services fully financed through the Primary Healthcare Fund budgetary allocation.
SHA said it will reimburse facilities Sh10,000 for normal deliveries and essential newborn care, while caesarean section procedures and essential newborn care will attract reimbursement of Sh30,000.
The Authority also announced a significant expansion of the cancer treatment package.
The annual cancer benefits package has been increased from Sh550,000 to Sh800,000, supported by an increase in the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund allocation from Sh150,000 to Sh400,000.
Patients undergoing cancer treatment will now benefit from holistic oncology consultations costing up to Sh2,500 per visit, covering services from oncologists, nutritionists, mental health specialists and palliative care teams.
Chemotherapy administration will be covered at Sh5,500 per session, while radiotherapy sessions will cost Sh3,600 for up to 30 sessions.
The package further includes advanced diagnostic services such as CT scans at Sh6,900, MRI scans at Sh11,000, PET scans at Sh53,500 and PSMA scans at Sh64,200.
SHA also introduced coverage for specialised therapies, including brachytherapy at Sh40,000 for three sessions and SBRT/SBRS treatment costing up to Sh70,000 for five sessions.
Supportive care medicines worth up to Sh10,000 and remission follow-up care in line with the Kenya Cancer National Treatment Protocols have also been included in the enhanced package.
In addition, patients living with sickle cell disease will receive expanded support through coverage of selected services, including apheresis platelets at Sh20,000 and red cell exchange at Sh70,000, each covered up to three times per policy period.
Mwangangi said the enhanced packages demonstrate the authority's commitment to ensuring no Kenyan is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.
The Authority encouraged registered beneficiaries and healthcare providers seeking clarification on the new benefits to contact SHA. The Star
