President Ruto Launches TaifaCare
Ruto’s administration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and various healthcare stakeholders, has been working to overhaul the existing system to ensure that healthcare is not a privilege but a basic right.

A poster of Social Health Authority.Photo by SHA.
The launch, which took place on October 1, 2024, marks a crucial step in achieving the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals, providing a safety net for millions of Kenyans.
TaifaCare, administered through the Social Health Authority (SHA), seeks to consolidate healthcare financing and provide equitable access to quality health services.
Kenyans can now register for the program by dialing *147#, a process that has been simplified for ease of access through mobile platforms. The initiative has been developed to ensure inclusivity, especially targeting vulnerable populations who have been left out of the healthcare system in the past.
President Ruto, speaking at the launch event, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to healthcare reforms.
The Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, who was present during the launch, acknowledged the magnitude of the reforms but highlighted concerns about the internal challenges faced during the implementation phase.
“I have faced many accusations, even as we worked to bring this initiative to life. But just as we stood firm to elect Ruto as President, we will stand firm to see that every Kenyan benefits from TaifaCare,” Gachagua stated, addressing rumors of internal friction within the administration.
TaifaCare’s launch coincides with Kenya’s long-term health strategy under the “Afya Bora” initiative, which has gained international recognition for its ambition to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare for all citizens.
Experts believe that this bold move could be a game-changer for healthcare in Africa, as other nations on the continent may look to replicate Kenya’s model.
Kenyans are encouraged to enroll immediately by dialing *147#. The government has assured that this process will be seamless, and healthcare services will be improved to accommodate the expected influx of new beneficiaries.
The launch, which took place on October 1, 2024, marks a crucial step in achieving the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals, providing a safety net for millions of Kenyans.
TaifaCare, administered through the Social Health Authority (SHA), seeks to consolidate healthcare financing and provide equitable access to quality health services. Kenyans can now register for the program by dialing *147#, a process that has been simplified for ease of access through mobile platforms. The initiative has been developed to ensure inclusivity, especially targeting vulnerable populations who have been left out of the healthcare system in the past.
President Ruto, speaking at the launch event, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to healthcare reforms.
“TaifaCare is not just a program; it is a promise. A promise that no Kenyan will ever be denied healthcare due to financial barriers,” the President said. He emphasized that this new initiative is aligned with the government’s broader agenda to improve the quality of life for all citizens, particularly by addressing healthcare challenges faced by marginalized communities.
The program’s rollout follows sustained efforts by the government to streamline healthcare services and provide affordable healthcare to every Kenyan.
Ruto’s administration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and various healthcare stakeholders, has been working to overhaul the existing system to ensure that healthcare is not a privilege but a basic right.
The Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, who was present during the launch, acknowledged the magnitude of the reforms but highlighted concerns about the internal challenges faced during the implementation phase.
“I have faced many accusations, even as we worked to bring this initiative to life. But just as we stood firm to elect Ruto as President, we will stand firm to see that every Kenyan benefits from TaifaCare,” Gachagua stated, addressing rumors of internal friction within the administration.
TaifaCare’s launch coincides with Kenya’s long-term health strategy under the “Afya Bora” initiative, which has gained international recognition for its ambition to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare for all citizens.
Experts believe that this bold move could be a game-changer for healthcare in Africa, as other nations on the continent may look to replicate Kenya’s model.
Kenyans are encouraged to enroll immediately by dialing *147#. The government has assured that this process will be seamless, and healthcare services will be improved to accommodate the expected influx of new beneficiaries.