Government Enrolls Over 138,000 Security Officers into SHA Under New Usalama Cover
The government will conduct a nationwide awareness campaign to support the rollout by informing officers about their entitlement to scheme benefits and the process to access these benefits.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The government has enrolled a total of 138,283 officers and their dependents from the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) into the Social Health Authority (SHA), widening access to comprehensive healthcare through the newly introduced Usalama Cover.
The official launch of the Usalama Cover through the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) announcement took place at this event. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale termed the initiative a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and reinforcing ongoing health sector reforms.
Duale stated that Kenya’s UHC programme is already showing tangible progress, pointing to the registration of more than 30 million Kenyans under SHA. The system has processed billions of shillings in medical claims, which demonstrates its effective operation to fulfill public requirements.
The CS further highlighted the smooth transition of over 400,000 teachers and their families to the Mwalimu Cover, noting that the same streamlined processes—supported by digital platforms and strong coordination among institutions—are now being applied to benefit uniformed officers.
The Usalama Cover program provides officers with medical insurance that addresses their previous challenges by offering them equitable access to dignified healthcare services. The scheme offers a wide range of services, covering everything from primary care to specialised treatment, including referrals abroad when necessary.
The government’s zero co-payment policy is essential according to Duale because it transfers financial responsibility from patients to the healthcare system. The tracking and monitoring tools of digital systems will improve transparency of operations and efficiency while they will also work to reduce fraud activities.
Healthcare providers were called upon to maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity as the programme is implemented, with robust oversight mechanisms already in place.
138,283 police and prison officers, together with their dependents, have been successfully enrolled into the Social Health Authority (SHA), expanding access to healthcare services. Photo/Courtesy
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the progress reflects strong collaboration between government agencies, including the Ministries of Health and Interior, the National Police Service, and the Social Health Authority.
The government will conduct a nationwide awareness campaign to support the rollout by informing officers about their entitlement to scheme benefits and the process to access these benefits.
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