Police and Prison Officers onboarded into SHA Usalama Cover
JUDY SHERI-PCO
The Government has onboarded 138,283 officers and their dependents from the National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) into the Social Health Authority (SHA), expanding access to comprehensive healthcare under the newly launched Usalama Cover.
The milestone was announced during the launch of the Usalama Cover under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), where Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described the move as a major step in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening ongoing health sector reforms.
He noted that Kenya’s UHC agenda is now delivering measurable results, with over 30 million Kenyans registered under SHA and healthcare facilities submitting claims worth KSh 166.4 billion, of which more than KSh 125 billion has already been disbursed across public, faith-based and private providers.
The CS highlighted the successful transition of more than 400,000 teachers and their families to the Mwalimu Cover, adding that the same efficiency driven by digital systems and strong institutional coordination is now being extended to uniformed officers.
He acknowledged longstanding challenges faced by officers under previous insurance arrangements, including delayed care, co-payments and administrative barriers, noting that the Usalama Cover marks a shift toward dignity, fairness and reliable access to care.
The scheme provides a comprehensive benefits package covering the full continuum of care from primary healthcare to specialised treatment alongside advanced services such as overseas referrals where necessary, fertility treatment including IVF, and a Last Expense Benefit to support families.
Duale emphasised that the Government’s zero co-payment policy places responsibility on the system rather than patients, warning that any facility demanding out-of-pocket payments for covered services will face sanctions.
He added that enhanced digital infrastructure, led by the Digital Health Agency (DHA), will strengthen efficiency, accountability and fraud prevention through real-time verification and monitoring of claims.
Healthcare providers were urged to uphold high standards of integrity as the programme rolls out, supported by strengthened oversight mechanisms to safeguard public funds.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen said the achievement reflects sustained government commitment and coordinated efforts across institutions, including the Ministries of Health and Interior, the National Police Service and the Social Health Authority.
A nationwide sensitization campaign will accompany the rollout to ensure officers understand their benefits and can effectively access services under the scheme.