Ruto Announces Bigger Cancer Cover in SHA Reform Push

President William Ruto has announced a major boost to Kenya’s cancer care, revealing that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will increase the cancer benefits package from KSh550,000 to KSh800,000 starting December 1, 2025. He delivered the update during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday.

Bigger Cover for Growing Treatment Costs

Ruto said the expanded package aims to protect families from the high cost of cancer diagnosis and long-term treatment.
He noted that many Kenyans still face financial strain when seeking care.

“This increase ensures patients receive continuous, quality treatment without falling into hardship,” he said.

The President added that the enhanced package is a key pillar of his Universal Health Coverage plan.

SHA Records Surge in Registrations

Ruto reported that 27 million Kenyans have already registered under SHA — a number he said is “more than triple” what the former NHIF ever achieved.
More than 10,000 health facilities have also joined the system.

He insisted the new health scheme shows that the pledge to “leave no one behind” is moving from a slogan to reality.

Ongoing Health Reforms

The President highlighted wider reforms across the health sector.
He said the overhaul of KEMSA has improved the availability of essential medicines and that the government has replaced the old MES model with a fee-for-service approach allowing hospitals to pay only for equipment in actual use.

He also noted that the State now pays premiums for 2.3 million vulnerable Kenyans, including orphans, widows and elderly citizens.

Public Concerns Addressed

The announcement follows months of complaints about system errors and low benefit limits.
Earlier this year, the Health Ministry set up a 24-hour call centre and rolled out a real-time tracker to monitor claim payments.