The government has released Ksh4 billion to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to provide medical cover for civil servants. The move comes after weeks of uncertainty, with many public officers worried about access to healthcare due to delayed funds.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku confirmed the disbursement on Sunday, September 8, 2025, while attending a church service at the ACK Cathedral of St Peter’s, Siakago in Embu County. He revealed that the funds were released on Friday and assured civil servants that their health benefits were fully secured.

“The government has released Ksh4 billion to the Social Health Authority to cater for public servants’ medical cover,” Ruku said.

He added that the allocation underlined the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers.

His announcement was supported by SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi, who confirmed receiving the funds in the authority’s accounts. She told the gathering that SHA was ready to settle pending hospital claims and ensure uninterrupted healthcare for civil servants and their families.

The disbursement eases tension following reports that several hospitals had considered suspending services for civil servants due to delayed payments. Some facilities had demanded settlement before admitting patients, raising fears of a health crisis within the public service.

Barely a month ago, CS Ruku dismissed claims that the SHA system was failing. At the time, he called the reports misleading and accused unnamed groups of attempting to cause unnecessary panic. On Sunday, he repeated that the government would not allow civil servants to lose access to health facilities, promising smooth operations under the new system.

Public confidence in SHA

SHA has recently been under scrutiny as it implements reforms linked to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Last week, Mwangangi reminded employers to remit monthly deductions by September 9 or face penalties. She said timely contributions were necessary to guarantee continuous coverage for all members.

For teachers, the situation is changing as well. Their current arrangement with a private insurer through the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is set to expire, with the government directing them to join the SHA scheme. Members of Parliament on the Education Committee have already proposed a tailored package for teachers, saying it would give them security and clarity over their future cover.

Speaking at the service, CS Ruku described SHA as a transformative step towards achieving universal health coverage. He pointed out that nearly 30,000 Kenyans were registering daily, a sign that public trust in the system was rising. He urged civil servants to support the rollout and promised that the government would continue protecting them from high medical costs.

The event in Siakago also brought together senior church leaders, local officials, and hundreds of congregants. Lands CS Alice Wahome, who represented President William Ruto, praised SHA as a “game-changer” in healthcare delivery. She encouraged Kenyans to register and called on communities to play an active role in sensitisation.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire also welcomed the disbursement, noting that her county had already enrolled more than half of its population in the scheme. She urged residents to prioritise health checks and take advantage of the benefits offered by SHA.