NAIROBI — The government has unveiled a new phase of the Social Health Assistance (SHA) programme, aimed at cushioning vulnerable households across the country.
The initiative was launched at State House, Nairobi, on Friday in a ceremony attended by President William Ruto, senior government officials, and community representatives.
President Ruto described the programme as a cornerstone of his administration’s social protection agenda. “No Kenyan should be left behind because of poverty or ill health,” he said. “The SHA is about dignity, security, and giving every household a fair chance.”
The support package includes health cover for low-income families, direct cash transfers, and subsidised access to essential services. According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the rollout will initially target more than one million households classified as vulnerable under the national social registry.
Officials said the State House launch was symbolic of the government’s commitment to strengthening safety nets at a time when many families are grappling with the high cost of living.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore told reporters the programme would operate in partnership with counties, faith groups, and civil society. “We want to ensure that help reaches the ground quickly and transparently,” she said.
The SHA support has been welcomed by advocacy groups, though some have urged the government to guard against delays and ensure inclusivity. “It’s a lifeline for struggling families, but implementation must be efficient,” said Jane Mburu, a social policy expert based in Nairobi.
The State House event also highlighted efforts to digitise social assistance, with officials promising that beneficiaries will be enrolled through a biometric system to reduce fraud and duplication.
The programme is part of a broader push to expand universal health coverage, alongside reforms in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the Hustler Fund welfare initiatives.
For many families, the promise of predictable support could mean relief from years of uncertainty. As the President noted, “The true measure of progress is not just in numbers, but in the lives we change.”
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