The Social Health Authority (SHA) has expanded its benefit packages under Legal Notice No. 78 of 2026, introducing enhanced support for sickle cell disease management alongside broader updates to cancer and maternity care services.

The reforms posted by Health Cabinet Secretary CS Aden Duale on his X post dated Monday, May 11, 2026, were published in the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 114 of May 8, 2026.

The changes implement directives issued during the State of the Nation Address and resolutions of the 12th Summit of National and County Governments Coordinating Framework.

Sickle cell disease coverage expansion

Under the revised Haematology and Oncology Services Package, SHA has introduced specific financial support for sickle cell disease management. Patients will now access apheresis platelets at Ksh20,000 and red cell exchange at Ksh70,000, with each intervention available up to three times per policy period.

“In addition, the Government has introduced dedicated support for patients living with sickle cell disease. The package now covers apheresis platelets at Ksh20,000 and Red Cell exchange at Ksh 70,000, each accessible up to three times within a policy period,” read the notice in part.

The measures are intended to support management of severe sickle cell complications and reduce treatment-related financial burdens for registered beneficiaries.

Cancer care benefit enhancement

The reforms also include an expanded cancer care package, with increased funding for chronic illness management under the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.

The allocation for chronic conditions has been raised from Ksh150,000 to Ksh400,000, contributing to an overall cancer benefit ceiling of Ksh800,000 per beneficiary.

Coverage includes oncology consultations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and advanced diagnostic services such as PET scans, PSMA PET scans, MRI imaging, and SBRT/SBRS procedures. Brachytherapy and radiotherapy sessions are also included under the updated package.

“To strengthen cancer care and shield families from catastrophic medical costs, the annual Cancer Benefits Package has been increased from Ksh550,000 to Ksh800,000. The expanded cover includes oncology consultations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, advanced diagnostic services such as CT scans, MRI and PET scans, specialised treatment options including Brachytherapy and SBRT/SBRS, as well as supportive care services.”

The updates are part of efforts to improve access to specialised treatment for cancer patients across the country.

Maternity services and healthcare access

The revised package provides free maternity services at Level 2 and Level 3 facilities for registered beneficiaries under SHA.

The coverage includes both normal and caesarean deliveries, with reimbursements set at Ksh10,000 for normal delivery and Ksh30,000 for caesarean sections.

The package also covers postnatal care, immunisation, laboratory tests, blood products, and other essential maternal health services.

According to SHA, the services are financed through the Primary Healthcare Fund and are accessible on a walk-in, walk-out basis at designated facilities.

SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi stated that the reforms reflect policy directives and public health priorities aimed at strengthening universal health coverage across Kenya.