Mental health services now covered under SHA - CS Duale
The initiative, implemented under the Taifa Care Model and the Social Health Authority (SHA), marks the first time mental health has been formally included in Kenya’s national health insurance framework.
Thousands of Kenyans struggling with mental illness will now access affordable treatment after the government integrated mental health services into the national insurance benefits package, a historic move aimed at ensuring no one is left behind in the country’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.
The initiative, implemented under the Taifa Care Model and the Social Health Authority (SHA), marks the first time mental health has been formally included in Kenya’s national health insurance framework.
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Speaking during the official opening of the 2nd National Mental Health Conference 2025 in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the development reflects the government’s commitment to providing equitable, inclusive and sustainable healthcare to all Kenyans.
The three-day conference, held under the theme “Securing the Future: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health for Generations,” has brought together stakeholders from government, academia, civil society and development partners to discuss emerging mental health challenges, develop a roadmap for a mentally healthy nation, and share innovative, evidence-based interventions to guide the country’s future mental health agenda.
Duale said the Ministry of Health continues to transform how mental health is perceived, financed and delivered, guided by the Mental Health Act, 2023 and the Kenya Mental Health Policy.
He noted that these policy frameworks recognise mental health as a fundamental human right, guaranteeing dignity, access and protection for all Kenyans living with mental illness.
“The Ministry of Health continues to transform how mental health is perceived, financed, and delivered, guided by the Mental Health Act, 2023 and the Kenya Mental Health Policy. These frameworks affirm mental health as a fundamental human right, guaranteeing dignity, access and protection for all Kenyans living with mental illness,” he said.
At the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health, Duale reaffirmed the government’s dedication to building sustainable and inclusive mental health systems, ensuring universal access to care and advancing Africa’s united voice for mental well-being, positioning Kenya as a continental and global leader in mental health advocacy.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the decentralisation of mental health services to the community level through 107,000 digitally empowered Community Health Promoters (CHPs). These frontline workers, he said, are instrumental in providing early, person-centred support and bringing essential services closer to households, reinforcing the rollout of the Taifa Care Model.
“For the first time, mental health services are now part of the national insurance benefits package, ensuring that no Kenyan has to choose between caring for their mind and feeding their family. This is the true meaning of ‘Afya Bora kwa Wakenya Wote’, quality healthcare for every Kenyan, without financial hardship,” Duale said.
He further called for multisectoral collaboration involving national and county governments, schools, faith leaders, civil society and the private sector to strengthen Kenya’s collective response to mental health.
Duale reiterated that the integration of mental health services into the insurance benefits package demonstrates Kenya’s determination to eliminate barriers to care and promote dignity, inclusion and hope for millions of citizens affected by mental health challenges.
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