By Michelle Ndaga
President William Ruto has unveiled a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA) Sponsorship Programme, which will provide free medical care to over 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans.
Speaking during the launch ceremony at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering UHC for all Kenyans regardless of their economic status.
“We made an irrevocable commitment to deliver Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans,” the President said. “Through the new SHA Sponsorship Programme, more than 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans will now access medical carefree of charge.
We will continue identifying and bringing more of our most vulnerable citizens into this fold, ensuring they benefit from a healthcare system that is robust, responsive, and truly equitable.”
The SHA Sponsorship Programme is part of the government’s broader health reforms, which seek to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare. Officials say additional citizens will be progressively enrolled, particularly those from low-income households and marginalized areas.
Health experts and stakeholders have lauded the programme as a milestone in Kenya’s journey toward UHC, saying it will help reduce the financial burden on poor households while improving health outcomes nationwide.
