President William Ruto has announced plans to expand the benefits offered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the government is reviewing the package to cover more ailments and medical conditions.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking at the Kenya Health Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Tuesday, August 18, Ruto said the review would progressively expand healthcare coverage under SHA.

The President also revealed that the government is finalising plans to include free diapers for new mothers as part of the SHA benefits package.

Additionally, Ruto said the diaper benefit is part of a commitment made in the government's manifesto and is expected to be included in the reviewed SHA package by October 30.

📌 What You Need to Know

“Our commitment for diapers is going to be included in the package which we are saying is being reviewed. By October 30, the benefit package will now include the diapers, as we consider the lotions needed and all the other outstanding agendas.”

The proposed benefit could ease the financial burden on households, with diapers being an essential yet costly expense for families with newborns, particularly in the early months after childbirth.

New mothers also face postnatal and newborn care costs, including medical check-ups, medication and nutrition. Covering diapers under SHA could help ease part of this financial burden.

The President said the benefit would form part of the support provided to mothers giving birth in healthcare facilities covered by the government, alongside delivery care and coverage for their children and families.

However, Ruto did not provide details on the specific types or quantities of diapers that would be covered, or how mothers would access the benefit once it takes effect.

The announcement comes as the government continues to make changes to SHA, including plans to incorporate more than 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) into the scheme.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke