NAIROBI — In a deal hailed as a step forward for Kenya’s healthcare system, Aga Khan University Hospital has signed an agreement with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to provide major medical procedures including kidney and heart surgeries at no cost to patients.
The partnership, announced on Wednesday at the university’s Nairobi campus, aims to support Kenya’s push for universal health coverage by removing financial barriers for patients in need of specialised treatment.
“This partnership directly supports our commitment to Universal Health Coverage,” said Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the signing. “It’s about making advanced care available to all Kenyans, regardless of income.”
Under the deal, vetted patients approved by SHA will receive treatment worth up to KSh700,000 per case. The package includes surgery, hospitalisation, and all post-operative care as outlined in the national health benefits plan.
The Social Health Authority will handle patient selection and ensure that the process is transparent and timely. The hospital, in turn, has committed to delivering care according to national clinical standards and will report on patient outcomes and progress regularly.
No Money, No Problem
For patients like 42-year-old Jackson Mwangi, who has been on a waiting list for a kidney transplant for over a year, the announcement offers hope.
“I had lost hope because the surgery was too expensive. This gives me a second chance,” Mwangi said outside the hospital gates on Wednesday, after hearing the news on local radio.
Aga Khan University Hospital CEO Rashid Khalani said the collaboration is rooted in the institution’s long-standing commitment to equity and service.
“We’re proud to provide quality care with dignity,” said Mr Khalani. “This partnership allows us to deliver that care to more people who need it most.”
He added that the hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities and team of highly trained specialists are ready to treat patients under the scheme.
Backed by a Welfare Fund
The agreement will be reinforced by Aga Khan’s annual Patient Welfare Programme, a revolving fund that supports patients unable to afford medical care. That fund will now complement SHA’s national health plan, widening the safety net for vulnerable citizens.
The Vice Chancellor of Aga Khan University, Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, who witnessed the signing, described the deal as a model for how public and private sectors can work together to improve health access.
“This isn’t just about policy it’s about people,” he said. “When institutions combine resources and values, we can do something truly meaningful.”
A Test for UHC Promises
While the deal marks a positive step, the real test will be in implementation. Experts say success will depend on whether SHA can vet patients efficiently and whether hospitals can maintain high-quality care as demand grows.
Dr Mercy Wanjiru, a public health analyst in Nairobi, warned of the need for clear communication and accountability.
“People need to know how to apply, what they’re entitled to, and what to expect. Transparency will be key,” she said in an interview on Thursday.
The Ministry of Health has pledged to work closely with partner hospitals to ensure that patient care is not delayed by red tape.
For now, the deal brings hope to thousands of families struggling under the weight of costly medical bills. As the first patients begin to benefit, many will be watching to see if this new chapter in Kenya’s healthcare story lives up to its promise.
