Government to review SHA packages amid calls for better cancer care

Cancer patients protest outside the Social Health Authority (SHA) head office on October 7, 2025. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Wednesday, November 19, 2025

A major focus of the review is the oncology package, which is currently capped at Sh550,000.

The government is set to review and expand the Social Health Authority (SHA) packages after Kenyans raised concerns about the adequacy of current benefits, particularly the oncology package, which is currently capped at Sh550,000 for cancer treatment.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the Ministry of Health has begun revising the packages in response to widespread public feedback requesting improved access to cancer care and other essential health services.

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Speaking at the annual convention of the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH) in Nairobi, Duale said the Ministry is working with the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel to ensure that the updated SHA packages are fair, evidence-based, affordable, and financially sustainable. The changes, he noted, are being guided by the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

A major focus of the review is the oncology package, which is currently capped at Sh550,000. According to the CS, many Kenyans have asked the government to increase this limit due to the high cost of cancer treatment.

He assured stakeholders that the Ministry is considering the feedback and aims to strengthen the SHA programme so it can better meet the needs of patients across the country.

“We have listened to cancer survivors, patients, parents, and leaders. In line with the Benefits and Advisory Tariff Panel, we are reviewing the packages and seeking feedback to ensure a more sustainable healthcare system that is equitable, affordable, and of high quality,” said Duale.

The CS highlighted aspects of the 5th Administration’s UHC efforts, including building a skilled health workforce, implementing innovative financing through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), promoting secure and locally manufactured health products, and establishing a fully digital health system.

He urged the private sector to partner with the government in raising standards, protecting patients, securing facilities, and improving medical training.

Appearing before the National Assembly on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated that 33,101 patients have so far received care under the SHA’s cancer benefit package. According to the CS, the package supports patients through every stage from diagnosis and staging to treatment and follow-up care.

He also explained that SHA has enhanced coverage by removing limits on treatment cycles within the annual benefit cap, ensuring fairness and flexibility.

He noted that through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), SHA has settled Sh5.8 billion in cancer-related claims, with an additional Sh774 million currently being processed and set for payment by November 14, 2025.

“The SHA offers a comprehensive cancer care package that supports patients through every stage from diagnosis and staging to treatment and follow-up care. Patients have access to a full range of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, and palliative care, all tailored to individual needs. The programme also covers essential medical supplies and equipment, such as consumables, chemo pumps and related medication,” he said.

He further highlighted that SHA has requested the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP) to increase the oncology package limit to Sh1 million per beneficiary, up from the current Sh550,000, jointly financed by SHIF (Sh400,000) and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF) (Sh150,000).

As of November 2025, the CS noted that 27.2 million Kenyans had successfully registered under SHA, representing more than half of the country’s population. Since the rollout of the scheme in October 2024, contributions amounting to Sh8.13 billion have been collected.