Duale: Kidney transplant covered by SHA at Ksh1.2M
By Nancy Marende, January 28, 2026Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced major gains under the Social Health Authority (SHA), revealing that kidney transplants are now fully covered at a cost of Ksh1.2 million.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Duale highlighted the growing burden of cancer, noting that an estimated 29,000 Kenyans die from cancer every year, a trend that mirrors the rising global cancer cases.
“This is not just a Kenyan problem; it is a global challenge, and it is rising,” Duale said.
He explained that, in response to rising demand for cancer treatment, President William Ruto, in his State of the Nation address, directed an increase in the SHA cancer reimbursement package from Ksh550,000 to Ksh800,000.
“The Ksh550,000 was already above what NHIF used to offer, but when we studied the situation and realised patients require more treatment sessions, we increased it,” Duale stated.
The CS also revealed that the Ministry of Health has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Roche, a global pharmaceutical company, to significantly reduce the cost of breast cancer medication.
One of the drugs used in breast cancer treatment, previously costing Ksh120,000 per session, will now retail at Ksh40,000, with the cost fully covered by SHA.
Kidney Transplant
Further, Duale announced that patients can now undergo kidney transplants at leading hospitals, including Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, and Kenyatta National Hospital, provided they have a donor.
The Ksh1.2 million package covers pre-transplant, during-transplant, and post-transplant care, and is fully paid for by SHA
“Today you can walk to Agha Khan, Nairobi Hospital, and Kenyatta Hospital and do a kidney transplant as long as you come with a donor, both pre, post and during the transplant, at a cost of Ksh1.2 million fully covered by SHA.”