Faith Masita
Access to healthcare for vulnerable families in Kisumu East has received a major boost after area MP Hon. Shakeel A. Shabbir Ahmed presented KSh 5,840,496 to Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga to renew health coverage under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The funding will support 679 indigent households, guaranteeing uninterrupted access to essential medical services for 17 months from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, with an extension to August 31, 2027.
Beneficiaries will receive a comprehensive three-tier healthcare package covering primary care, inpatient and specialised treatment, as well as financial protection for emergency, chronic and critical conditions such as ICU admissions, cancer treatment and dialysis.
“This initiative is a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage by ensuring that no vulnerable family is left behind,” said Dr. Oluga. “We urge more Kenyans to register with SHA and seek care early to improve health outcomes.”
The Ministry of Health said the Kisumu East model, implemented through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF), demonstrates a scalable approach to expanding equitable healthcare access across the country.
Hon. Shakeel emphasized the need for sustained investment in health coverage for low-income households, noting that the programme directly shields families from catastrophic medical costs.
“Our goal is simple—protect vulnerable families from the burden of healthcare expenses and ensure they can access quality services without financial strain,” he said.
The MP was accompanied by NGCDF officials and Social Health Authority representatives led by Gilbert Osoro during the presentation.
