President Ruto Launches Social Health Authority (SHA) Programme for 2.2 Million Kenyans - September 2025

President William Ruto has launched the Social Health Authority (SHA) Sponsorship Programme, which will provide free medical services to over 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans. This new SHA cover is for Kenyans who cannot afford premiums and it replaces the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The initiative, announced on Friday, September 19, at State House, Nairobi, is part of the country's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki affirmed the government's commitment to expanding health coverage under SHA to the vulnerable. The government will pay the monthly contributions for those enrolled in the sponsorship program.