President William Ruto has announced a significant expansion of cancer treatment benefits under the Social Health Authority (SHA), raising the coverage from Ksh.550,000 to Ksh.800,000 per household, effective December 1, 2025.
Making the announcement during his State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday November 20, 2025, the President emphasized that this enhancement directly addresses the escalating costs of sustained cancer care, ensuring patients can access quality, continuous treatment without experiencing financial hardship.
“This enhancement responds to the rising cost of sustained cancer care and ensures that patients can access quality, uninterrupted treatment without facing financial hardship,” President Ruto stated.
Regarding the enhanced cancer benefits specifically, Ruto said the government is strengthening financial protection for Kenyans undergoing cancer treatment.
“SHA will enhance the Cancer Benefits Package from the current Ksh 550,000 to Ksh 800,000, effective December 1, 2025. This enhancement responds to the rising cost of sustained cancer care and ensures that patients can access quality, uninterrupted treatment without facing financial hardship,” he stated.
The President highlighted the progress of SHA since its launch, noting that 27 million Kenyans have enrolled, more than triple the number ever achieved under the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). Additionally, over 10,000 healthcare facilities nationwide have joined the system to provide services.
“27 million Kenyans are now registered in SHA, more than triple the number ever reached by the former NHIF. This is a demonstration that leaving no one behind was and is not a slogan; it is a promise on course to fulfilment,” he declared.
President Ruto underscored the government’s commitment to vulnerable populations, revealing that the administration is currently covering premiums for 2.3 million disadvantaged Kenyans, including orphans, widows, the elderly, and those without income.
“When I promised that those unable to pay would be supported by the government under UHC, the cynics scoffed. Today, we are paying premiums for 2.3 million vulnerable Kenyans, including orphans, widows, the elderly, and those without income, because for them, healthcare is not a privilege. It is a right fully secured,” he said.
The President described these initiatives as more than mere healthcare reform, stating they represent a long-deferred promise finally materializing.
“This is more than healthcare reform. It is a long-deferred promise finally taking shape, a Kenya where every citizen can face tomorrow with confidence, knowing their nation will stand with them in their hour of need. It fulfils our national values of dignity and equity as stated under Article 10 of the Constitution,” President Ruto emphasized.
