Kenya has taken a significant step in strengthening the welfare of its security officers with the launch of the Usalama Cover, a specialised medical scheme designed for members of the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS).
The programme, launched under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund and implemented through the Social Health Authority (SHA), onboards more than 100,000 officers and their dependents, marking one of the largest coordinated health transitions in the country’s public sector.
Speaking during the launch at Avenue Hospital in Nairobi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasised that the reform is part of deliberate government action.
“This move did not happen by accident; it is the result of deliberate, sustained presidential commitment and the dedicated work of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, NPS and SHA Authority, among other key stakeholders,” he noted.
Murkomen further highlighted the importance of public awareness on emergency health rights, reminding Kenyans that “emergency medical treatment is free in Kenya. Whether it is a car accident or any other life-threatening situation, everyone must know they can go to any hospital in the country and receive free treatment for 24 hours.”
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who presided over the event alongside Murkomen, issued a strong directive to healthcare facilities contracted by SHA.
“Co-payments and out-of-pocket cash demands from our members are strictly forbidden,” he said. “Any facility found demanding cash from our officers for covered services will be cited for breach of contract. They will face immediate suspension and will be compelled to issue a full refund.”
The scheme promises uninterrupted access to General Outpatient Services, Outpatient Diagnostic Services, medical tests, laboratory tests, imaging and round-the-clock support.
The Social Health Authority, working with Avenue Hospital leadership and other partners, has positioned the programme as part of the government’s broader commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Inspector General Douglas Kanja welcomed the programme, praising its impact on officer
morale.
“This move has motivated officers to provide better services to the public and the country, knowing they have a government that cares for them,” he said.
Kanja added that the NPS transition to SHA has been smooth: “We haven’t received any complaints, and I believe it will continue to run smoothly going forward.”
Senior government leaders in attendance included Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, Deputy IG Eliud Lagat, Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gathecha, APS Deputy IG Gilbert Masengeli, DCI Director Mohammed Amin, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Agency CEO Eng. Anthony Lenayara and KNPS Accounting Officer Bernice Sialaal Lemedeket.
The event was hosted by Avenue Hospital Chairperson Dr. Lawrence Ndondi.
With the Usalama Cover now operational, the State signals a long-term commitment to ensuring that officers who protect Kenya receive timely, dignified and reliable healthcare services.
