Each approved case will be fully covered up to Ksh700, 000, encompassing surgery and necessary post-operative care in line with SHA’s national care package. SHA has pledged transparency in patient selection and timely coordination with the hospital to ensure seamless service delivery.
By Mitchell Anne, Nairobi
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has signed a strategic partnership with Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH), enabling eligible Kenyans to access advanced medical procedures, specifically kidney transplants and heart surgeries, at no out-of-pocket cost under then Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
The agreement was formalized at a ceremony held at Aga Khan University’s Nairobi campus, signed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and AKUH CEO Rashid Khalani. It was witnessed by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin.
Under the agreement, SHA will vet, assess, and approve patients for subsidized kidney transplants and cardiac surgeries, including critical procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve replacements.
“Families are sinking into poverty. NCDs alone reduce household income by nearly 29 percent. We must protect Kenyans from this burden,” ~ CS Duale
Each approved case will be fully covered up to Ksh700, 000, encompassing surgery and necessary post-operative care in line with SHA’s national care package. SHA has pledged transparency in patient selection and timely coordination with the hospital to ensure seamless service delivery.
CS Duale hailed the initiative as a tangible step toward fulfilling Article 43 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health for all Kenyans.
He emphasized the urgency of health system reform, pointing out that out-of-pocket health expenditure remains high at 24.3 percent, largely due to the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as kidney and heart conditions.
“Families are sinking into poverty. NCDs alone reduce household income by nearly 29 percent. We must protect Kenyans from this burden,” said the CS.
He called on healthcare providers to implement the SHA Tariff and Benefits Package and urged AKUH to produce evidence that could inform national scale-up. “With such partnerships, we are steadily moving toward an inclusive and equitable health system,” he added.
Aga Khan University Hospital will deliver high-quality surgical and post-surgical care to approved patients, in accordance with national clinical standards and protocols. The hospital will maintain detailed patient records, submit timely invoices per SHA’s financial guidelines, and ensure follow-up and aftercare services.
In addition, AKUH will regularly share progress and outcomes reports with SHA, including treatment data and procedural statistics.
“This partnership directly supports our commitment to Universal Health Coverage by making advanced medical care accessible to all Kenyans, regardless of income,” said CS Duale. “Over 11,000 Kenyans travel abroad annually for treatment, driven by the belief that overseas care is superior and more affordable, a perception not always grounded in fact. Many procedures sought abroad are available right here in Kenya.”
He cited that in 2024 alone, Kenyans spent an estimated KES 14.7 billion on overseas medical treatment—up from KES 9 billion in 2016/17—excluding indirect costs such as airfare, accommodation, and caregiver support.
“By partnering with reputable institutions like Aga Khan University Hospital and leveraging mechanisms like the Patient Welfare Program, we are accelerating access to life-saving care for vulnerable citizens across the country,” he said.
The partnership is further supported by AKUH’s annual revolving Patient Welfare Program, which provides financial assistance to patients unable to afford specialized care. The initiative underscores AKUH’s long-standing commitment to health equity and social responsibility.
“We are honored to work with the Social Health Authority in this national effort to expand access to life-saving surgeries,” said AKUH CEO Rashid Khalani. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to giving back to society by delivering world-class care to those who need it most. Our facilities, technology, and highly trained specialists are dedicated to ensuring every patient receives quality treatment with dignity.”
The Social Health Authority, established under the Social Health Insurance Act, is the government agency mandated to implement UHC through a national mandatory insurance scheme. Since becoming operational, SHA has achieved key milestones:
The Social Health Authority noted that it had launched the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to unify Kenya’s public health financing under one platform, accredited over 3,000 public and private healthcare providers, and rolled out a national benefits package that includes promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services.
It also reported enrolling millions of Kenyans, including government-subsidized indigent households, and deploying a digital claims management system to enhance accountability.
