📅 Date: Friday, 3rd October 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM (EAT)
📍 Location: Rex Masai Assembly Hall, Amnesty International Kenya, Ground Floor, 197 Lenana Place (Opposite Astro Petrol Station), Lenana Road, Kilimani, Nairobi, and Live-streamed
Panellists
Dr. Abdi Mohamed
Chairperson, Social Health Authority
Renee Ngamau
Co-Founder, CheckUps Medical Hub
Dr. Brian Lishenga
Chairperson, The Rural Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya
Dr. Simon Kigondu
President, Kenya Medical Association
Moderator
Zaha Indimuli
Human Rights Defender and Activist
Notice:
Our in-person spots are now full, but you can still be part of this important conversation! We invite you to register to attend virtually, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to engage, share your views, and connect with others.
Event Briefing Note
October 2025 marks one year since the launch of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)—a bold shift from NHIF under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA). This transition was positioned as a cornerstone of Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a constitutional right and a key national priority.
SHIF introduced an income-based contribution model aimed at equity and sustainability. However, the rollout lacked piloting, and one year later, the country stands at a critical juncture: Is SHIF working?
The conversation is further complicated by the withdrawal of USAID funding, which has historically supported HIV, TB, malaria, family planning, and maternal health programs. This funding gap places additional pressure on SHIF to deliver, especially for vulnerable populations.
While SHIF has made strides—mobilizing billions in contributions and disbursing funds—concerns persist around reimbursement delays, inclusion of informal sector workers, legal challenges, and governance gaps.
This Kikao will serve as a public evaluation of SHIF’s first year, exploring its impact, challenges, and the road ahead to achieving UHC by 2030.
Key Discussion Questions
- One year into SHIF, has it lived up to its promise compared to NHIF? What clear wins or failures can we point out so far?
- Has SHIF brought us closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage? What indicators show improvement or regression?
- Has the withdrawal of USAID funding affected health service delivery? What role should SHIF play in bridging this financial gap?
- Is SHIF’s income-based financing model equitable and sustainable? What alternative models could better serve Kenya’s diverse population?
- What policy, legal, or governance reforms are needed to strengthen SHIF?
- If SHIF alone is not enough, what complementary strategies are needed to achieve UHC by 2030? What role should counties, private, and civil society play?