The government has enrolled 138,283 officers from the National Police Service and Kenya Prisons Service, together with their dependents, into the Social Health Authority (SHA) under the newly launched Usalama Cover.
The announcement was made during the official rollout of the programme under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund, with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale describing the initiative as a major milestone in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.
According to the Ministry of Health, the Usalama Cover is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services to uniformed officers, covering everything from primary care to specialised treatment, including overseas referrals where necessary.
Duale noted that the programme reflects ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the healthcare system, making it more accessible, efficient and accountable. He pointed out that over 30 million Kenyans have already been registered under SHA, with billions of shillings processed in claims, demonstrating that the system is fully operational.
“This is clear evidence that our UHC agenda is delivering tangible results for wananchi,” he said.
The CS further highlighted the successful transition of more than 400,000 teachers and their families into the Mwalimu Cover, noting that the same approach—supported by digital systems and institutional coordination—is now being extended to police and prison officers.
He acknowledged that officers have in the past faced challenges with medical insurance, adding that the new scheme is intended to restore dignity, fairness and reliable access to healthcare services.
A key feature of the Usalama Cover is the zero co-payment policy, which shifts the financial burden away from patients and places responsibility on the healthcare system. The government has also enhanced digital infrastructure, including track-and-trace systems, to improve transparency, efficiency and curb fraud.
Healthcare providers have been urged to maintain high standards of integrity as the programme is implemented, with oversight mechanisms in place to ensure accountability.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the rollout reflects strong collaboration between key institutions, including the Ministries of Health and Interior, the National Police Service and the Social Health Authority.
He emphasised that the initiative is part of broader efforts to improve the welfare of officers who play a critical role in national security.
The government has also announced a nationwide sensitisation campaign to ensure officers and their families fully understand how to access and benefit from the new cover.
Officials expressed confidence that the programme will significantly improve healthcare access for uniformed officers while strengthening the country’s journey towards universal health coverage.
