A significant public outcry has erupted in Kenya as the Social Health Authority (SHA) introduces a policy requiring citizens to pay annual fees upfront for health services instead of the standard monthly contributions.

• Ksh12,460 is now demanded for a yearly SHA subscription.
• Health CS Aden Duale and SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mercy Mwangangi are key figures responding to the issue.
• Many Kenyans are being forced to take out loans from the Hustler Fund or pay out of pocket, contrary to previous payment arrangements instituted in June.

President William Ruto criticized Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata for the county's low registration in the Social Health Authority (SHA) program during the Murang’a Investment Forum on June 13.

• Only 283,000 out of 1.5 million residents in Murang’a are enrolled in SHA, representing 27% of the population.
• Ruto plans to send a team from SHA and the Ministry of Health to enhance community awareness and registration.
• The county's existing initiative, Kang’ata Care, currently supports approximately 40,000 households, aiming for universal health coverage.