Kenya Minute.
Saturday, 13 June 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 13 June 2026
Nairobi—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Kenyan press · Organization

Social Health Authority

Also known as: SHA · AI-driven Social Health Authority

Social Health Authority — Kenya's Universal Health Coverage system replacing NHIF, with 31.39 million registered members as of June 2026.

2026-04-242026-06-13
Share on WhatsApp

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. April 2026

  2. Citizen Digital

    … He commended Murang’a residents on universal healthcare, noting that 452,000 people have registered under the Social Health Authority. …

    ‘No amount of insults, noise will chase me from Mt. Kenya’: Ruto tells opposition
Society

PS Oluga urges counties to accelerate UHC reforms implementation

The News

Kenya's Principal Secretary for Medical Services has challenged county health leaders to speed up Universal Health Coverage reforms, stating the country has moved from policy formulation to implementation. As of June 8, 2026, 31.39 million Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority, which has paid Sh147.37 billion in healthcare claims since October 2024 and contracted 11,034 health facilities nationwide.

Why it matters

PS Oluga reports 31.39M registered with Social Health Authority and Sh147.37B in healthcare claims, tracking critical UHC implementation progress.

12 June 2026 · Capital News →

Yesterday

  1. PS Oluga urges counties to accelerate UHC reforms implementation

    Kenya's Principal Secretary for Medical Services has challenged county health leaders to speed up Universal Health Coverage reforms, stating the country has moved from policy formulation to implementation. As of June 8, 2026, 31.39 million Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority, which has paid Sh147.37 billion in healthcare claims since October 2024 and contracted 11,034 health facilities nationwide.

    12 June 2026 · Capital News →

  2. SHA to surcharge hospitals not dispensing prescribed drugs

    Starting Monday, hospitals accredited by the Social Health Authority to offer primary healthcare will face surcharges if they do not dispense prescribed drugs to patients after treating them.

    12 June 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Nairobi opens 36-bed maternity unit at Pumwani Majengo Health Centre

    Nairobi County has opened a fully operational 36-bed maternity wing at Pumwani Majengo Health Centre to bring essential maternity care closer to residents of Majengo, Gikomba and surrounding areas. The facility, accredited by the Social Health Authority, aims to reduce strain on referral hospitals while improving access to safe and affordable maternal healthcare.

    12 June 2026 · The Standard →

  4. Pumwani Majengo Health Centre opens 36-bed maternity wing

    Pumwani Majengo Health Centre has opened a 36-bed maternity wing offering delivery, antenatal, and postnatal care services to residents of Gikomba, Majengo and surrounding areas. The SHA-accredited facility has already begun receiving mothers and newborns and also provides outpatient consultations, laboratory testing, pharmacy services, tuberculosis screening and treatment, and HIV/AIDS comprehensive care.

    12 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 11 June

  1. Government allocates Sh177.2 billion to health sector for universal coverage

    Kenya's Treasury has proposed a Sh177.2 billion allocation to the health sector in the 2026/27 financial year to accelerate Universal Health Coverage rollout and strengthen access to essential healthcare services. Major allocations include Sh19.1 billion for Primary Health Care Funds, Sh8.6 billion for UHC staff, Sh18.5 billion for disease prevention programmes, and Sh6.4 billion for vaccines and immunisation initiatives.

    11 June 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Over 31 million Kenyans registered under new Social Health Authority

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that more than 31.2 million Kenyans have registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), replacing the defunct NHIF as part of the government's Universal Health Coverage programme. The transition marks a significant increase from the approximately eight million previously covered under NHIF, supported by 228 Primary Care Networks, 107,831 Community Health Promoters, and 16,810 deployed medical interns.

    11 June 2026 · Capital News →

  3. PS Oluga leads county health chiefs meeting on UHC reforms

    County Chief Officers of Health from all 47 counties met in Kisumu for a two-day forum organised jointly by the Ministry of Health and Council of Governors to review Universal Health Coverage reforms and address bottlenecks including delayed SHA reimbursements, digital health integration, medicine shortages, and emergency service operationalisation.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  4. Opposition coalition unveils alternative budget, criticises Ruto's economic policies

    Kenya's United Alternative Government coalition, led by Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, unveiled a "People's Budget" alternative plan and accused the Ruto administration of economic mismanagement, citing a projected budget deficit of more than Sh1 trillion and policies deepening the country's debt crisis.

    11 June 2026 · Capital News →

  5. Government tightens Sacco regulations to prevent election-period fraud

    The government has warned of rising fraudulent Saccos formed ahead of the 2027 General Election and is tightening regulations in the cooperative sector. Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya said the ministry now requires any Sacco seeking licensing to have a minimum capital base of Sh10 million within the county of operation.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Opposition launches 'People's Budget' alternative to Ruto plan

    The opposition coalition, operating under the United Alternative Government banner, has unveiled an alternative "People's Budget" that prioritises education, healthcare, job creation and lowering the cost of living while reducing the fiscal deficit. The opposition attacked President Ruto's proposed 4.8 trillion shilling budget as the largest spending plan in Kenya's history, built on unsustainable borrowing and misplaced priorities.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Opposition unveils rival 4.32 trillion shilling budget plan

    The opposition has presented a "People's Budget" of Sh.4.32 trillion ahead of the government's 2026/2027 fiscal plan, proposing to reduce the fiscal deficit to 2.8 per cent of GDP while increasing funding for education and health, restoring programmes such as Linda Mama and Edu Afya, and allocating Sh.80 billion for youth employment. The coalition, led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has accused the government of fiscal recklessness, excessive borrowing, and anti-poor policies.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Constitutional petition on SHA legality moved to Milimani

    A constitutional petition challenging the legality of the Social Health Authority (SHA), digital health systems and public officer medical schemes has been transferred from the High Court in Kiambu to the Constitutional and Human Rights Division at Milimani. The petition, filed by Francis Awino, argues that the healthcare financing structures are operating outside the law.

    9 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Karua rejects Finance Bill, proposes PLP budget alternative

    People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has rejected key proposals in the 2026 Finance Bill, arguing the government is prioritising higher taxation over fiscal discipline. Karua outlined PLP's alternative economic plan centred on spending restraint, support for productive sectors, and relief measures for households and businesses.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Garissa governor criticized for dismissing Social Health Authority

    Garissa Governor Nathif Jama faced backlash after a video showed him telling a sick woman not to rely on the Social Health Authority's medical cover and instead giving her Sh1,000 to pay for private treatment. The remarks sparked criticism from netizens and opposition lawmakers who questioned the governor's stance on the healthcare system.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 6 June

  1. PSSF trustees seek removal from healthcare financing constitutional petition

    The Public Service Superannuation Fund and its Board of Trustees are asking to be removed from a constitutional petition, arguing their mandate is limited to managing pension, gratuity, retirement, disability and death benefits for public servants, and they have no involvement in healthcare financing systems like SHIF or SHA.

    6 June 2026 · Capital News →

Thursday 4 June

  1. SHA appoints Winfred Nthiani as Assistant Director of Corporate Communication

    The Social Health Authority has appointed Winfred Nduku Nthiani as Assistant Director for Corporate Communication following a competitive recruitment process that attracted 100 applicants and narrowed to seven shortlisted candidates interviewed on Wednesday.

    4 June 2026 · Capital News →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Wanjigi pledges to abolish SHA, scrap VAT, reject odious debt

    Safina Party leader and 2027 presidential hopeful Jimi Wanjigi vowed during a town hall in Mombasa to abolish the Social Health Authority, remove Value Added Tax, introduce free education from primary to TVET level, and refuse to honour what he described as illegitimate public debt acquired outside proper budgeting processes.

    2 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Ruto pledges infrastructure and power investment in Northern Kenya

    President William Ruto concluded a three-day tour of Northern Kenya, pledging to increase government investment in infrastructure and essential services. During the tour, he commissioned and inspected development projects including a KSh72.2 million mini-grid project for 500 households in Garissa, and announced KSh4.1 billion in rural electrification investments for Wajir, KSh2.5 billion for Mandera, and KSh1.6 billion for Garissa.

    2 June 2026 · Capital News →

  3. Ruto pledges Ksh.123 billion for Northern Kenya development

    President William Ruto concluded a three-day tour of Northern Kenya by pledging to allocate Ksh.123 billion to the region, stating his administration is committed to integrating the North into Kenya's development agenda through infrastructure, water, electricity, schools, and roads.

    2 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 1 June

  1. Ruto apologises for decades of Northern Kenya marginalisation

    President William Ruto issued a formal apology to the people of Northern Kenya for state-sanctioned marginalisation and neglect resulting from a 1965 Cabinet Sessional Paper that concentrated development on so-called "high potential" areas, leaving the northern frontier without adequate roads, water, healthcare or schools.

    1 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Ruto pledges to end Northern Kenya exclusion and discrimination

    At Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County, President William Ruto committed to dismantling historical barriers that have denied Northern Kenya residents access to essential services and economic opportunities, citing systemic discrimination as exemplified by the experience of a Wajir resident who faced repeated obstacles obtaining a national identity card.

    1 June 2026 · Capital News →

  3. Mental health is Kenya's silent emergency, writer tells CS Duale

    An open letter to Health CS Aden Duale argues that mental health represents a critical public health crisis in Kenya, with an estimated five to 10 million Kenyans living with mental health conditions—up to one in five citizens—yet most cases remain undiagnosed or untreated in primary healthcare settings.

    1 June 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 31 May

  1. SHA disburses Sh12.7 billion to healthcare providers

    The Social Health Authority paid Sh12.74 billion to healthcare providers in May, with the Social Health Insurance Fund accounting for Sh7.25 billion of the total. Facilities rely on these reimbursements to fund operations, procure medicines, and settle supplier obligations.

    31 May 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Child Welfare Society budget increased to Ksh.500 million

    The Child Welfare Society of Kenya is set to receive an additional Ksh.300 million in the 2026/2027 financial year, raising its budget to Ksh.500 million from Ksh.200 million in the previous year. The National Assembly Committee on Social Protection pushed for the increased funding to strengthen child protection, education, and rescue programmes for vulnerable children.

    31 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Saturday 30 May

  1. Kadu Asili says Ruto recycling Kenyatta-era Coast projects

    Kadu Asili has criticized President Ruto's Coast region development plan, claiming the administration is relying on projects initiated under President Kenyatta's regime and has not launched any landmark projects of its own. The party also contested the Ruto government's recruitment at Kenya Ports Authority, stating that over 80 per cent of about 290 positions went to the Rift Valley region.

    30 May 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 25 May

  1. Deputy President announces education reforms and 50,000 teacher promotions

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended education reforms implemented since 2022, stating the government has recruited 100,000 teachers in four years and plans to add 20,000 more after the next budget cycle. He highlighted increased education financing rising from Sh500 billion in 2022 to Sh765 billion in the next fiscal year, as well as construction of 23,000 classrooms and 1,600 laboratories to strengthen Competency-Based Education and Training.

    25 May 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 24 May

  1. President Ruto announces Ksh.10 billion Coast blue economy investment

    President Ruto has announced government investment of more than Ksh.10 billion in blue economy projects at the Coast, including five fish landing sites, three fish markets, 272 modern fishing boats, a Ksh.1.5 billion hatchery, and a Ksh.2 billion Shimoni Fish Port in Kwale County, aimed at strengthening families dependent on fishing.

    24 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Government to promote 50,000 teachers in 2026/27 budget

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that the government will promote 50,000 teachers after allocating funds in the 2026/27 budget, doubling the initial target of 25,000 following consultations with teacher unions. The administration is also addressing teachers' concerns over health insurance and working conditions.

    24 May 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 23 May

  1. Government expands health infrastructure to strengthen Universal Health Coverage

    The Principal Secretary for Medical Services said the government is intensifying investments in health infrastructure and county healthcare systems to strengthen Universal Health Coverage, including inpatient wings and maternity facilities. He urged Kenyans to register under the Social Health Authority, saying increased enrolment is critical in sustaining healthcare services and strengthening public hospitals.

    23 May 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Government to promote 50,000 teachers in 2026/27 budget

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that the government will promote 50,000 teachers through improved budgetary allocation in the coming financial year, up from an initial target of 25,000 after consultations with unions. Kindiki said some teachers have been stuck at the same job level for over ten years and the administration aims to improve welfare and reduce individual teacher workload.

    23 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Social Health Authority — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute