Nairobi, Kenya – In a landmark step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the government has launched a nationwide registration drive for inmates under the Social Health Authority (SHA), ensuring that even those behind bars are not left behind.
The initiative was officially launched at Lang’ata Women Prison in Nairobi and will cover all correctional and probation centres across the country. In a show of cross-departmental commitment, the event was graced by several high-ranking government officials, including Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Belio Kipsang (Immigration and Citizen Services), Dr. Salome Beacco (Correctional Services), and Dr. Aurelia Chepkirui Rono (Parliamentary Affairs).
Also present were the Commissioner General of Prisons, Mr. Patrick Mwiti Aranduh, and Acting SHA CEO, Mr. Robert Ingasira.
As part of the initiative, the government, through the State Department of Correctional Services, will fully cover health insurance premiums for inmates. The SHA registration will also be coupled with a National Identification drive to streamline access to essential services.
Dr. Beacco emphasized the significance of the exercise, stating, “It is important that every Kenyan registers for SHA so that no one is left behind. Sometimes we resist change because we do not understand it.” She revealed that over 8,000 inmates have already been enrolled, with the programme now being scaled up nationwide.
Echoing the sentiment, Dr. Oluga reaffirmed the government’s dedication to inclusive healthcare. “The government is keen on attaining Universal Health Coverage by ensuring every citizen has medical cover, including vulnerable populations such as inmates,” he said.
Dr. Kipsang reiterated the government’s inclusivity efforts, citing the SHA rollout in prisons as a testament to that commitment.
With this bold move, Kenya is setting an example in regional and global healthcare circles, reinforcing that universal health truly means universal—with no one left behind.
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