The Social Health Authority (SHA) has signed a strategic partnership with the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH), to offer advanced medical procedures—specifically kidney transplants and heart surgeries—at no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
The agreement, signed during an official ceremony held at Aga Khan University’s Nairobi campus, was presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, alongside AKUH CEO Rashid Khalani, and witnessed by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin.
Under the terms of the agreement, SHA will vet, assess, and approve patients based on clinical eligibility and financial need. Once approved, the full cost of the procedure—up to KES 700,000 per patient—will be covered, including surgery and post-operative care, in line with SHA’s national care package. This move is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on families affected by chronic conditions and drive down the number of Kenyans seeking treatment abroad.
“This partnership directly supports our commitment to Universal Health Coverage by making advanced medical care available to all Kenyans, regardless of their economic status,” said CS Aden Duale. “By working with reputable institutions like Aga Khan University Hospital and leveraging mechanisms such as the Patient Welfare Program, we are accelerating access to life-saving care for vulnerable citizens across the country.”
Over 11,000 Kenyans travel abroad annually for specialized medical care, spending approximately KES 14.7 billion, according to the Ministry of Health. This agreement is expected to reverse that trend by offering high-quality treatment locally.
AKUH will provide the surgical and post-operative services while maintaining rigorous clinical standards and detailed patient records. The hospital will also submit timely invoices in line with SHA’s financial protocols and share progress reports, treatment statistics, and procedural data with the authority. Follow-up care and aftercare will be integrated into the hospital’s support plan to ensure comprehensive treatment for all approved patients.
“We are honoured to work with the Social Health Authority in this national effort to expand access to life-saving surgeries,” said Rashid Khalani, CEO of AKUH. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to giving back to society by delivering care to those most in need, while upholding world-class medical standards.”
The agreement is further supported by AKUH’s Patient Welfare Program—an annual revolving fund that assists patients unable to afford specialized care—cementing the hospital’s role in promoting equitable health access in Kenya.
The SHA, created under the Social Health Insurance Act, is the primary government agency tasked with implementing UHC through a mandatory national health insurance scheme. Since its inception, SHA has launched the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), accredited over 3,000 healthcare providers, rolled out a national benefits package, enrolled millions of Kenyans including vulnerable households, and deployed a digital claims management system.
This partnership marks a new chapter in Kenya’s healthcare reforms—demonstrating how public-private collaborations can expand access to essential services and promote equity in healthcare delivery.