By Joshua Otieno | May 12, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA — The Social Health Authority has announced a major expansion of maternal healthcare services, allowing expectant mothers to access delivery services free of charge under a revised national benefits package.
The new measures, introduced through Legal Notice No. 78 of 2026, form part of the government’s broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda aimed at improving access to affordable and quality healthcare.
Under the updated guidelines, all mothers registered under SHA will now receive comprehensive maternity care at Level 2 and Level 3 public health facilities without making any payments.
Speaking during the launch at Afya House, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said the government is committed to eliminating financial barriers that prevent women from accessing safe childbirth services.
“We are removing the financial barrier to safe childbirth,” Barasa stated.
“Whether it is a normal delivery or a caesarean section, the government, through the Primary Healthcare Fund, will foot the bill,” she added.
To support implementation of the programme, SHA has introduced a structured reimbursement model for healthcare facilities across the country.
Hospitals and health centres will receive KSh 10,000 for every normal delivery conducted under the programme, while facilities handling caesarean section procedures will be reimbursed KSh 30,000.
The revised package also incorporates the Linda Jamii scheme, which replaces the former Linda Mama programme and specifically targets adolescent mothers, low-income households, and vulnerable women.
The government has allocated an initial KSh 2 billion to support the initiative and ensure no expectant mother is denied emergency maternity services due to inactive contributions or incomplete registration.
Beyond childbirth services, the package will also cover prenatal laboratory tests, newborn care, antenatal services, and postnatal check-ups for mothers and babies for up to six weeks after delivery.
Health sector stakeholders have welcomed the reforms, describing them as a significant step toward reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, particularly in rural communities and informal settlements where access to healthcare remains limited.
The Social Health Authority has urged expectant mothers to confirm their registration details using the *USSD code 263# or through the official SHA portal to facilitate smooth access to services at public healthcare facilities nationwide.
Officials say the initiative is expected to strengthen confidence in the country’s healthcare system while advancing the government’s goal of achieving equitable healthcare access for all Kenyans.
