Enrollment in Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) has reached 29.4 million citizens as of February 13, 2026, according to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. This milestone was announced during the 29th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) held at the Deputy President’s official residence in Karen.Â
The IBEC directed the National Treasury to immediately release Ksh 2 billion to jumpstart free maternal services (formerly Linda Mama) in level two and level three health facilities.
SHA has collected Ksh 142 billion in premiums since its rollout.Approximately Ksh 102.3 billion has been paid out to health facilities for medical services rendered to patients.Over 8 million Kenyans have already accessed primary healthcare services through the new system.
A total of 10,277 health facilities are currently transacting under SHA, including 5,672 county-run facilities, 4,072 private providers, and 533 faith-based institutions.Â
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chaired the session, stated that the SHA program is now “irreversible” and efforts are focused on perfecting the system for seamless service delivery.
The council also urged County Governments to prioritize paying premiums for vulnerable groups, specifically highlighting Murang’a, Migori, Trans Nzoia, and Mombasa as leaders in this effort.
By Anthony Solly
