President William Ruto has announced that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will enhance the cancer benefits package to provide Universal Health Coverage and restore public confidence in the system, touted as one of his legacy projects.

In his State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday, President Ruto revealed that the package will increase from the current Ksh.550,000 to Ksh.800,000 effective December 1, 2025.

He added that this would enhance the provision of quality healthcare services to cancer patients.

"This enhancement responds to the rising cost of sustained cancer care and ensures that patients can access quality, uninterrupted treatment without facing financial hardship," he stated.

The head of state expressed confidence in SHA, pointing out that 27 million Kenyans have registered in the system since its rollout.

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"27 million Kenyans are now registered in SHA, more than triple the number ever reached by the former NHIF," he remarked.

"This is a demonstration that leaving no one behind was and is not a slogan; it is a promise on course to fulfilment. Additionally, more than 10,000 health facilities across the country have signed in to serve under this new system."

President Ruto noted that SHA would continue revolutionising the healthcare sector to provide universal health coverage to every Kenyan. 

"This is more than healthcare reform. It is a long-deferred promise finally taking shape, a Kenya where every citizen can face tomorrow with confidence, knowing their nation will stand with them in their hour of need. It fulfils our national values of dignity and equity as stated under Article 10 of the Constitution." 

The president's announcement comes amid concerns from the public over low benefits packages and system errors affecting service delivery. 

In March 2025, the health ministry increased the benefits package for cancer patients from Ksh.400,000 to Ksh.550,000 per household to make treatment more affordable. 

The Ministry also established a dedicated 24-hour call centre to provide real-time assistance to patients and healthcare providers.

Further, the government launched a systems tracker to track claim payments from health facilities. 

This system allows the government to use a tracker dashboard to monitor claims in real time.