NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has signed contracts under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) and launched biometric registration for dependents aged between seven and 17 years under the Social Health Authority (SHA), in a move aimed at expanding healthcare access for public servants and their families.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku presided over the signing ceremony on Wednesday, describing the initiative as a major milestone in advancing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
The agreements, signed between SHA and healthcare providers, including private and faith-based facilities from Levels 3 to 6, establish the framework for service delivery, reimbursement, and accountability under the public officers’ medical scheme.
Under the enhanced package, public servants and their dependents will access a broad range of healthcare services, including outpatient and inpatient treatment, specialised surgeries, cancer care, dialysis, dental and optical services, overseas referrals, and reproductive health services such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Duale said the negotiated tariffs would eliminate unauthorised co-payments for services covered under the scheme and warned healthcare facilities against imposing illegal charges on beneficiaries.
“The agreed tariffs remove the burden of unlawful extra payments and ensure public officers receive the benefits provided under the scheme,” he said.
The Health CS also launched SHA biometric registration for dependents aged seven to 17 years, describing the exercise as a critical component of the government’s digital health transformation programme.
According to Duale, biometric registration will improve patient identification, facilitate access to medical records, enhance data security and support efficient healthcare delivery across facilities nationwide.
The registration drive forms part of broader efforts by the Digital Health Agency to strengthen digital health systems and improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in service delivery.
The event culminated in the signing of the POMSF Implementation Charter and the formal adoption of negotiated healthcare tariffs, clearing the way for full implementation of the enhanced medical scheme.
Among those present were Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, Public Service Principal Secretary Dr Jane Imbunya, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mercy Mwangangi, and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who also serves as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors.
Representatives of public servants’ unions, officials from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), chief executive officers of public referral hospitals, and other stakeholders from the health sector also attended the event.
