By John Mutiso
President William Ruto has announced that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will expand its cancer benefits package as part of efforts to deliver Universal Health Coverage and rebuild public trust in the healthcare system—one of his key legacy initiatives.
Delivering his State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday, President Ruto stated that the coverage will rise from the current Ksh.550,000 to Ksh.800,000 starting December 1, 2025.
He emphasized that the enhanced package will significantly improve access to quality healthcare services for cancer patients.
“This enhancement responds to the rising cost of sustained cancer care and ensures that patients can access quality, uninterrupted treatment without facing financial hardship,” he stated.
The head of state expressed confidence in SHA, pointing out that 27 million Kenyans have registered in the system since its rollout.
“27 million Kenyans are now registered in SHA, more than triple the number ever reached by the former NHIF,” he remarked.
“This is a demonstration that leaving no one behind was and is not a slogan; it is a promise on course to fulfilment. Additionally, more than 10,000 health facilities across the country have signed in to serve under this new system.”
President Ruto noted that SHA would continue revolutionising the healthcare sector to provide universal health coverage to every Kenyan.
“This is more than healthcare reform. It is a long-deferred promise finally taking shape, a Kenya where every citizen can face tomorrow with confidence, knowing their nation will stand with them in their hour of need. It fulfils our national values of dignity and equity as stated under Article 10 of the Constitution.”
The president’s announcement comes against a backdrop of public concern over inadequate benefits packages and system glitches that have disrupted service delivery.
In March 2025, the Ministry of Health raised the cancer benefits package from Ksh.400,000 to Ksh.550,000 per household in an effort to make treatment more affordable.
The Ministry also set up a 24-hour call centre to offer real-time support to patients and healthcare providers.
Additionally, the government introduced a systems tracker to monitor claim payments from health facilities, enabling officials to view claim progress through a real-time dashboard.
