Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced the introduction of a new health insurance plan targeting vulnerable Kenyans under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health on Tuesday, October 14, the CS said the initiative is designed to ensure that low-income and indigent individuals gain access to essential healthcare services.

"To further expand access for vulnerable populations, the CS noted that SHA is implementing a flat-rate premium of Ksh660 per month for each indigent person identified through collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection.

"He encouraged well-wishers, philanthropists, and partners to support the programme to reach more deserving Kenyans," the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

Duale also highlighted the growing role of technology in transforming healthcare access and accountability, specifically the introduction of biometric use.

"Duale also underscored the Digital Health Agency’s (DHA) collaboration with biometrics providers and the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to enhance system stability, eliminate the need for OTP whitelisting, and establish a tiered support structure aimed at strengthening ICT systems," the statement added.

 In addressing emergency medical services, Duale called for coordination across both national and county levels.

"On ambulance and referral services, the CS informed the Committee of the Joint Technical Committee established to develop a framework for the ambulance evacuation benefit package. 

"The committee brings together representatives from the Ministry of Health, SHA, the Council of Governors Secretariat, DHA, Emergency Medical Kenya Foundation (EMKF), Safaricom, and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) - ensuring interoperability and alignment with constitutional and county structures," the statement further read.

This comes a week after Duale announced the integration of mental health services into the national insurance benefits package through the Social Health Authority (SHA).

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Speaking during the official opening of the 2nd National Mental Health Conference 2025 on Wednesday, October 8, Duale said the move was part of the government’s effort to ensure accessible and affordable mental healthcare for all Kenyans.

"Through the Taifa Care Model and the Social Health Authority (SHA), mental health services have now been integrated into the national insurance benefits package, ensuring that quality mental healthcare is accessible to every Kenyan," he said.

Duale further urged for stronger partnerships among different sectors to sustain progress in mental health awareness.

"In my keynote address, I called for strong collaboration across national and county governments, schools, faith institutions, civil society and the private sector to build a united and inclusive national response," he further said.