31.2 million Kenyans registered under SHA as State moves to clear NHIF debt

A total of 31.22 million Kenyans have registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has said, citing the figure as evidence of progress in the government's efforts to achieve universal access to healthcare.

Mbadi said the number represents a significant increase from the approximately eight million Kenyans who were registered under the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), now defunct.

The Treasury CS made the remarks on Thursday while presenting the 2026/27 Budget Statement to Parliament, where he highlighted achievements made under the government's affordable healthcare agenda.

Speaking during the presentation, Mbadi said the government had made progress in strengthening primary healthcare services and expanding access to health coverage across the country.

"In primary healthcare, improving service delivery and ensuring sustainable health financing, a total of 31.22 million Kenyans are now registered under the Social Health Authority, compared to about eight million under the defunct National Health Insurance Fund," Mbadi said.

He said the government has also established and operationalised 228 primary healthcare networks to bring services closer to communities.

According to Mbadi, 107,831 community health promoters have been recruited and trained, while 16,810 medical interns have undergone internship as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.

The CS said the government remains committed to supporting healthcare facilities that provide services to patients under the national health insurance framework.

Mbadi noted that the government allocated Sh4 billion in the 2025/26 financial year for the settlement of outstanding NHIF claims owed to healthcare providers.

The government recognises the critical role contracted healthcare facilities play in the delivery of healthcare services to patients," he said.

He said the allocation was specifically earmarked for the settlement of verified NHIF pending bills owed to healthcare facilities.

Mbadi told Parliament that the payments are being made in line with a presidential directive prioritising the clearance of outstanding obligations for facilities with claims of up to Sh10 million.

He said all verified claims falling within that category will be settled before the close of the current financial year.

"In accordance with the presidential directive that prioritised the clearance of outstanding obligations for facilities with claims not exceeding Sh10 million, the claims identified under this allocation have been duly verified and will be fully paid before the close of this financial year," Mbadi said.

The Treasury CS further announced that the government will in the next financial year prioritise payment of outstanding NHIF claims exceeding Sh10 million once the claims have been verified.

The commitment is expected to provide relief to healthcare facilities that have for years sought settlement of pending NHIF bills, with many providers raising concerns over delayed reimbursements.

Mbadi said the government will continue implementing measures aimed at strengthening healthcare financing, improving service delivery and expanding access to quality healthcare services across the country.