- Inmates across Kenya will now be enrolled under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure universal health coverage.
- The nationwide exercise was flagged off at Lang’ata Women Prison in Nairobi.
- The government will pay health insurance premiums for all inmates.
The government has kicked off a major campaign to register all inmates under the Social Health Authority (SHA), as part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The move aims to ensure that every citizen, including those behind bars, gets access to essential healthcare services.
Lang’ata Women Prison Hosts Launch Event
The launch of this new programme was held at Lang’ata Women Prison in Nairobi, where top government officials gathered to witness the start of the initiative. The exercise will now extend to all prisons and probation centres across Kenya. Registration for national IDs is also being done alongside the health enrolment.
Gov’t to Handle Medical Costs for Inmates
To ensure every inmate is covered, the State Department of Correctional Services will fully take care of their health premiums. Already, 8,000 inmates have been listed under the programme, and the registration drive is being expanded to reach every facility.
Top Officials Grace the Event
Several Principal Secretaries attended the event, including Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Belio Kipsang (Immigration and Citizen Services), Dr. Salome Beacco (Correctional Services), and Dr. Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs). Also present were Prisons Commissioner General Patrick Mwiti Aranduh and Acting SHA boss Robert Ingasira.
Inclusive Health for All, Says Gov’t
Dr. Salome Beacco called on Kenyans to welcome the health plan, noting that resistance often comes from lack of information.
“Sometimes we resist change because we do not understand it,” she stated.
Dr. Oluga stressed that the government’s health reform targets everyone, including the vulnerable in society. PS Kipsang added that the move confirms Kenya’s commitment to equal development through proper healthcare access.
