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Govt launches SHA sponsorship program to support Kenyans
19th September, 2025 10:05 AM
The William Ruto-led government on Friday, September 19, 2025, launched a new SHA product dubbed the Sponsorship Program.
Speaking at the State House in Nairobi, the Social Health Authority (SHA) Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Mwangangi, explained that the new initiative will benefit vulnerable Kenyans who often end up being airlifted abroad for specialised treatment.
Mwangangi said the program is designed to ensure that even low-income earners, including those in the MSMEs sector, such as boda boda riders, can access quality healthcare in high-class hospitals without facing financial ruin.
Elsewhere, Health CS Adan Duale disclosed that the government is restructuring Kenya’s health financing system to ensure inclusivity.
What the SHA sponsorship program covers
During her presentation, Mwangangi broke down the costs the government will shoulder under the new scheme, assuring Kenyans that SHA is committed to delivering dignity in healthcare.
“Nataka niwaeleze, huu mradi wa SHA sponsorship program, wewe kama Mkenya wa uwezo mbali mbali utaweza kuingia ata hospitali kama Agha Khan ufanyiwe test. Na kama unahitaji hii inaitwa kidney transplant, SHA itagharamikia Ksh1.12M katika hii mradi.”
She further gave examples of common accidents and illnesses that will now be covered:
“Kama umeingia boda boda ukavunjika mguu na unahitaji upelekwe surgery ufixiwe hio mguu, SHA itagharamikia Ksh300,000.”
Cancer treatment was also highlighted as a key focus of the program:
“Kama kuna mambo ya cancer, umepata bahati mbaya, uko na cancer ya cervix, breast ama prostate kama wewe ni mwanaume, SHA itagharamikia Ksh550,000.”
Kenya’s healthcare transformation
The SHA sponsorship program is part of the broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda that President William Ruto has been championing since assuming office.
By providing financial backing for high-cost procedures such as kidney transplants, cancer care, and accident-related surgeries, the government aims to reduce medical tourism and ensure that Kenyans receive treatment locally.
The government urged Kenyans to register for SHA services and take advantage of the program once it officially rolls out in public and private hospitals nationwide.
But the launch of the new SHA sponsorship program comes amid the backdrop of reports that SHA hasn’t been as effective as envisioned during its conception.
Various healthcare providers have been raising alarms over delayed SHA claims disbursement amid reports of ghost facilities.
