A Mother’s Peace of Mind: How Social Health Insurance Authority (SHA) Is Securing Futures in Nyeri

In Kenya, a country with over 57 million people, healthcare should not be a privilege; yet, for many families, it remains so. Confronted with high out-of-pocket expenses, countless households must decide between seeking medical attention and meeting their basic needs.

This is beginning to change. 

With the launch of the Social Health Insurance Authority (SHA), Kenya is making significant strides towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Over 22 million Kenyans have already enrolled in the new health financing scheme. In Nyeri County, one of the top three counties in SHA registration, we are witnessing the tangible effects of this reform in homes and communities.

One such story is that of Keziah Wangechi Waigwa, a mother of three living in Majengo, Nyeri. Her journey to safe motherhood was supported by SHA and by Jecinta, a trusted Community Health Promoter (CHP) from her neighbourhood.

“When I was five months pregnant, Jecinta encouraged us to register for SHA,” Keziah recalls. “We paid Ksh 3,600 to cover the whole family for a year. When I delivered, I only paid Ksh 900; SHA covered the rest. That gave us peace we’d never had before.”

Throughout Keziah’s pregnancy, Jecinta regularly checked in—monitoring her health, guiding her through the antenatal process, and enrolling her other two children in SHA to ensure comprehensive household coverage.

“She still visits us,” Keziah says. “She checks on the baby’s growth, tracks her immunisations, and explains what we should look out for. It’s comforting to know someone is walking with us.”

Amref’s Role in Empowering Communities to Access Healthcare Without Financial Hardship

At Amref Health Africa, we believe no one should have to choose between healthcare and survival. Our mission in health financing is clear: to empower communities to access quality care without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.

We operate at the intersection of policy and people, translating ambitious reforms like SHA into a tangible impact at the household level. Through grassroots engagement, digital mobilisation, and policy advocacy, Amref ensures that health coverage reaches the last mile, beginning where the need is greatest.

We do not stop at awareness; we assist counties in integrating SHA into Primary Health Care (PHC) delivery systems. We provide advice on national policy frameworks and establish social accountability mechanisms to ensure that community voices, particularly those of the most vulnerable, are heard and acted upon. Through innovation, partnerships, and evidence, we are helping to build financing systems that genuinely leave no one behind.

This is not merely about insurance; it concerns dignity. It envisions a Kenya where no woman is compelled to sell her livestock to give birth safely. Where children receive vaccinations without delay. Where healthcare is regarded as a right, not a luxury.

Project THRIVE: Turning Policy into Protection

Through the Project THRIVE initiative, Amref has trained over 500 Community Health Promoters across six counties to support SHA awareness, registration, and follow-up. These CHPs are now enrolling families at the household level and connecting them to health facilities for care.

“The training we received from Amref changed everything,” says Jecinta. “We used to offer health advice. Now we help families protect themselves, register for SHA, and access the services they deserve.”

In Nyeri alone, thousands of families have benefited. More women are delivering in healthcare facilities. More children are completing immunisation schedules on time. Fewer families are being pushed into poverty by medical costs.

“We no longer have to choose between healthcare and buying food,” Keziah reflects. “That freedom has changed our lives.”

As Kenya moves closer to realising Universal Health Coverage, Amref Health Africa remains a steadfast ally—investing in people, supporting systems, and strengthening the foundation of community-led health.

Because when health is protected, opportunity is unlocked, and no one is left behind.

Nyambura Gitonga, Communications, FRH Programme