Nairobi, Kenya – The government of Kenya has announced changes to the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Thursday, June 11, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale presented the proposed Tariffs for Healthcare Services (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, for parliamentary consideration.
Duale said the amendments seek to strengthen financial risk protection, expand access to essential health services and support the Government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
What are the new SHA tariff benefits
The CS revealed that if approved, the new law will introduce free maternity services and Level 2 and 3 hospitals, including Caesarean deliveries and newborn care.
“A key proposal is the introduction of a Maternal, Newborn and Child Health benefit package under the Primary Healthcare Fund. The package will support free maternity services at Level 2 and Level 3 facilities and cover antenatal care, normal and Caesarean deliveries, postnatal and newborn care, immunisation, and nutrition services for mothers and children,” said Duale.
Other proposed changes in the new regulations are enhanced support for cancer patients under the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF).
If approved, cancer and chronic illness patients will receive support of up to KSh 400,000 from KSh 150,000 per beneficiary, with eligible patients accessing up to KSh 800,000 in healthcare cover.
Duale noted that the proposed reforms are informed by scientific evidence, health technology assessments and stakeholder consultations, including public participation.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a sustainable health financing system that protects vulnerable households from financial hardship while improving access to quality healthcare services.
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