The Social Health Authority (SHA) has unveiled an expanded benefits package for Primary Health Care (PHC) services, aiming to enhance accessibility and quality for all Kenyans.

Announced via an X post on October 27, 2025, the initiative outlines five key services available at Level 2, 3, and selected Level 4 health facilities, including health centres, sub-county hospitals, and some county hospitals. The rollout comes amid growing scrutiny and calls for reform within the national health cover system.

“The five packages include outpatient visits for everyday illnesses such as malaria, coughs, colds, diarrhoea, or wounds, ensuring basic care is accessible close to home,” part of the statement read.

The five packages include:

• Outpatient visits for everyday illnesses such as malaria, coughs, colds, diarrhoea, or wounds, ensuring basic care is accessible close to home.
• Long-term illness management for conditions like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and sickle cell, focusing on chronic disease control.
• Doctor consultations and medicines when individuals fall sick, providing essential medical attention and prescriptions.
• Lab tests and imaging such as blood tests, urine tests, or X-rays, enabling diagnostic support for timely treatment.
• Eye care services including health education, eye testing, and eyeglasses for children under 18, promoting early intervention for vision health.

These services are accessible via a toll-free line 147 and the SHA website (www.sha.go.ke). The announcement follows the SHA’s launch in October 2024, which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Parliament raises accountability questions

The rollout has sparked mixed reactions, with Parliamentary Health Committee Chair James Nyikal directing embattled Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to address persistent challenges within SHA rather than focusing on winning debates. Speaking on October 14, 2025, during a Health Committee meeting, Nyikal emphasised rebuilding public trust.

“If I really wanted to go by the rules, maybe I would have closed this meeting, but it is more important to get a point which I can now go and work on,” he said, referencing the Ksh13 billion Primary Healthcare Fund and Ksh38 billion for emergency and chronic illness care.

Heated exchanges over fraud claims

The session turned chaotic following a heated exchange between Duale and Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi over SHA fraud claims. Kibagendi accused Duale of intimidation, leading to his removal by sergeants-at-arms after disrupting proceedings. Duale countered by alleging Kibagendi’s conflict of interest due to closed hospitals, a claim Kibagendi denied, later challenging Duale to substantiate the accusations.

Nyikal urged focus on resolving SHA’s implementation issues, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure the new benefits reach all Kenyans effectively.