By David Otieno, Kakamega
The Social Health Authority has announced enhanced health benefit packages aimed at easing the financial burden on Kenyans seeking treatment for cancer, chronic illnesses and maternity services.
The reforms, announced following directives issued by President William Ruto during the 2025 State of the Nation Address, significantly increase funding for cancer care and introduce free maternity services in Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities.
In a public notice issued by SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi, the authority said the changes were informed by resolutions from the 12th Ordinary Session of the National and County Governments Coordinating Summit, public participation and utilization data.
Under the new arrangement, all registered beneficiaries will now access free delivery services at Level 2 and Level 3 primary healthcare facilities on a “walk-in, walk-out” basis without paying out of pocket.
Previously, mothers seeking maternity services in those facilities were often required to make payments before accessing care, a practice that locked out many low-income families from safe delivery services.
“To streamline maternity services at primary healthcare facilities, SHA will reimburse facilities Ksh10, 000 for normal delivery and essential newborn care, and Ksh30, 000 for caesarean sections and essential newborn care,” the authority said in the notice.
The authority noted that the services will be financed through the Primary Healthcare Fund budgetary allocation.
Cancer patients are also set to benefit from expanded coverage after SHA increased the annual cancer benefits package from Ksh550, 000 to Ksh800, 000.
In addition, the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund allocation has been increased from Ksh50, 000 to Ksh400, 000 for chronic illnesses.
SHA said oncology consultations will now attract up to Ksh2, 500 per visit, covering services from oncologists, nutritionists, mental health experts and palliative care specialists.
The authority has further expanded support for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and advanced diagnostics.
“Chemotherapy administration will be covered at Ksh5, 500 while radiotherapy will be covered at Ksh3, 600 per session for up to 30 sessions,” the notice stated.
Patients undergoing diagnostic procedures will also receive support, including CT scans at Ksh6, 900, MRI scans at Ksh11, 000, and PET scans at Ksh53, 500 and PSMA PET scans at Ksh64, 200.
Specialized cancer therapies such as brachytherapy will be covered at Ksh40, 000 for three sessions, while SBRT and SBRS treatments will receive support of up to Ksh70, 000 for five sessions. SHA will also cover supportive medicines worth up to Ksh10, 000 and remission follow-up care in line with Kenya’s national cancer treatment protocols.
Patients living with sickle cell disease are among those targeted in the revised package.
SHA announced coverage for apheresis platelets at Ksh20, 000 and red cell exchange at Ksh70, 000, with each service covered up to three times within a policy period.
The authority described the reforms as a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.
