Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has raised concerns over reports that a section of persons with severe disabilities can no longer be covered under their parents’ Social Health Authority (SHA) cover once they turn 18.
Asige cited a recent case in Trans Nzoia County where a 28-year-old person with severe disability was reportedly informed they could no longer remain under their parents’ SHA cover and would be required to pay independently.
The senator criticised the move, arguing that it fails to reflect the realities faced by persons living with lifelong disabilities who depend on caregivers for daily support, decision-making, and access to healthcare.
“Disability is about ability not age. Many adults with severe disabilities rely on caregivers for daily living, decision-making and accessing healthcare. Cutting coverage at 18 even for those with lifelong disabilities, ignores reality and violates their rights,” Asige posted on X.
Asige pointed to the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, which guarantee free healthcare for persons with disabilities without discrimination and obligate public health services to meet their needs.
She warned that policies that impose age limits on coverage risk undermining the rights of vulnerable individuals, emphasising that dependency linked to disability does not end upon reaching adulthood.
“Ministry of Health policies must reflect lived realities because disability dependency does not end with a birthday,” she added.
Asige urged the government to act swiftly to align health policies with existing legal protections, warning that failure to do so would amount to discrimination.
“Kenya cannot fail its people with disabilities. We must uphold their rights without delays or arbitrary decision-making,” she stated.
Her remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of the Social Health Authority and the Ministry of Health, with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently dismissing calls for his resignation over alleged financial and operational challenges within the scheme.
“…why should I resign? I don’t need to resign. If I commit anything contrary to my oath of office, there are various ways of dealing with me: impeaching me by Parliament; the criminal justice system dealing with me if I have integrity issues; I’m a political appointee, the President can one morning say I need another minister for Health,” Duale stated on January 28, 2026.
