High hopes as police and prisons join SHA for medical cover 

The National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Prisons Service (KPS)’s medical scheme transitioned to the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework in a move officials termed as a game changer.

To the users of the service, they hope it will be better to address their medical demands.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen and his health counterpart Aden Duale presided over the event in Nairobi and lauded the transition as a major step forward in addressing the welfare needs of officers.

“The transition to the SHA framework is part of the broader security sector reforms aimed at improving the welfare of officers and their dependants. The implementation has been carefully structured to ensure continuity of care, including for those currently admitted in hospitals,” said CS Murkomen during the onboarding at Avenue Hospital, Nairobi.

This transition marks a significant milestone in enhancing the welfare of officers and their dependants.

It introduces improved benefits while eliminating inefficiencies associated with redundant insurance covers, thereby reducing wasteful premium expenditures.“The new scheme provides a more comprehensive and sustainable medical cover, including last expense benefits for officers and their dependants,” the CS said.

Under the SHA framework, officers and their families will benefit from an expanded package covering outpatient and inpatient services, dental and optical care, emergency services, specialized treatment, and annual medical check-ups.

The scheme also includes provisions for overseas treatment without exclusions, access to emergency and critical care, and an expanded list of eligible dependants.

Notably, the number of healthcare facilities accessible under the scheme has increased significantly from 600 under the previous arrangement to over 8000 facilities nationwide.

Murkomen hailed the inclusion of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Overseas Treatment, and a structured Ex-Gratia Framework saying the Government cares deeply about the holistic well-being and dignity of the officer’s family.

The CS noted that the Last Expense Benefit ensures that should the worst happen in the line of duty, the families of fallen heroes will receive immediate, seamless support.

The CS also sent a stern warning against fraudsters.

“Anyone attempting to steal public money meant for the healthcare of our officers will be arrested and subjected to the full wrath of the law. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) will work closely with SHA to fool-proof this scheme. All the fraudulent claims will be investigated to their finality and anyone found culpable will be punished.”

He noted that substantial progress has been made in the implementation of security sector reforms.

“This SHA onboarding today is part of a much broader reform agenda.

The reforms are aimed at restoring morale and operational efficiency across the disciplined services, and are moving on several fronts at once.Murkomen said junior officers who have long faced stagnant wages and difficult working conditions have seen their terms significantly improved, with phase III of salary adjustments expected to take effect on 1st July, 2026.

Phases I and II increments have already significantly raised entry pay for a constable. Job groups across the services are also being harmonised.

“We are also expediting reforms in appointment, promotion and transfer of officers to boost morale, strengthen professionalism and enhance operational efficiencycy. We have promoted all Constables aged above 50 and Corporals who have served in the same rank for more than 10 years following the recommendations of the Jukwaa la Usalama initiative.”

The CS added the recent recruitment of 10,000 police police constables and 4,000 prison officers will greatly improve service delivery to the public

“Plans are also underway to build 30,000 housing units for officers over the next few years. Decent accommodation is not a luxury, we must treat officers with dignity,” the CS said.

The CS said the ongoing modernization of the police service will ensure greater efficiency and transparency.

“We are enhancing the Integrated Command, Control and Communication Centre (IC3) into a more advanced IC4 platform by incorporating high-performance computing capabilities and artificial

intelligence-driven data analytics. This next phase will strengthen our ability to predict, detect and respond to security threats in real time.”

Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja said they haven’t received any complaints.

“I believe it will continue to run smoothly going forward. This move has motivated officers to provide better services to the public and the country, knowing they have a government that cares for them. I have nothing but admiration for the plans the government has in place for our officers.”

Duale 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,” he said.

Other senior officers were present.