The Social Health Authority (SHA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Murang’a County government to provide comprehensive health cover to indigent and vulnerable households.
The 31, 416 vulnerable households, who are beneficiaries of Kang’ata Healthcare Programme, will get fully sponsored health insurance cover for one year starting from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Signing of the MoU on Tuesday, came after the county government conducted a means test for beneficiaries of Kang’ata-care programme in the month of November last year.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata has underscored the partnership with SHA, saying the move is a major stride toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring no resident faces financial hardship when accessing healthcare.
“Murang’a County takes pride in being the first county in the country to implement this mandate, setting a benchmark for other counties. This initiative highlights the strength of collaboration between the national and county institutions in addressing healthcare needs and strengthening Kenya’s social safety nets,” said Kang’ata.
Through the Kang’ata care programme, the beneficiaries will be able to access essential healthcare packages covering inpatient and out-patient services, maternity and emergency services.
The scheme will also cover chronic illnesses and critical care through contracted healthcare providers within Murang’a County.
According to the MoU, premiums for the beneficiaries will be paid quarterly in advance by the county government of Murang’a ensuring seamless and uninterrupted access to services throughout the cover period.
SHA will manage the registration of beneficiaries, provide ongoing support, sensitize communities about the programme and ensure beneficiaries access the full range of health benefits without disruptions.
The county administration on its part will also identify and profile indigent households, provide accurate records, and mobilize beneficiaries during registration exercises.
Kang’ata said the county government has built and expanded more than 20 hospitals and hired extra staff to cope with rising demand for healthcare.
“The county administration has also introduced 38 telemedicine centres to ensure Kang’ata-care beneficiaries and all residents access healthcare via online services,” he added.
SHA Chief Executive Officer, Ingasira Robert, said the collaboration with the county government embodies the principles of mutual cooperation, data protection, and good faith.
He noted that a joint coordination committee will oversee the implementation of the programme, ensuring effective communication, issue resolution and continuous monitoring to deliver on the programme’s objectives.
“As part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, this partnership bridges the gap between those who can afford health insurance, required to contribute through annual premiums; and those identified as indigent, who will receive financial support from the government at both national and county levels,” he stated.
Ingasira added that the SHA Insurance Act, of 2023, gives effect to the right to health by empowering counties, like Murang’a, to provide health services to those in need.
“Under this Act, counties serve as contributors, supporting households identified through the Means Testing Instrument as requiring financial assistance,” he remarked.
