By Michelle Ndaga
The Kenyan government has officially expanded the Linda Mama program under the Social Health Authority (SHA), significantly enhancing healthcare benefits for expectant mothers and their families.
The move aims to strengthen maternal and newborn health nationwide and advance the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale announced the reforms during the commissioning of the Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait Complex and groundbreaking of the School of Engineering Phase III at Umma University, Kajiado County.
“The benefits have not been scrapped they’ve been expanded,” CS Duale emphasized. “We are now offering broader support before, during, and after childbirth, including antenatal and postnatal care, normal and Caesarean deliveries, newborn services, and critical treatments like Anti-D serum.”
To date, over 627,000 mothers, including more than 41,000 teenage mothers, have received care under the revamped package, which offers financial protection and integrated health services.
In Kajiado alone, more than 470,000 residents are enrolled under SHA, contributing to the 26.5 million Kenyans registered nationwide.
These reforms ensure equitable access to healthcare, particularly at the grassroots level, aligning with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The CS also toured Umma University’s new nursing skills laboratory, which will provide practical training and bolster the quality of patient care.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering women, highlighting their vital role in community and national development.
The event was presided over by President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and hosted by Vice Chancellor Dr. Halima Abdullahi, alongside Kajiado Governor Hon. Joseph Ole Lenku, Chancellor Dr. Abass Gullet, Education CS Hon. Julius Migos, and partners from the Direct Aid Society (DAS), including Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Muhailan.
With backing from the Government of Kuwait through DAS, this milestone showcases the strength of global partnerships in driving progress in healthcare, education, and community development across Kenya.
