NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has announced plans to introduce free diapers for new mothers under the Social Health Authority (SHA), as the government moves to expand the range of healthcare benefits available to Kenyans.
Speaking at the Kenya Health Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Tuesday, August 18, Ruto said the government was reviewing the SHA benefits package to cover more illnesses, medical conditions and essential needs.
The President said the review would progressively broaden the services covered under the national health insurance scheme, with free diapers for mothers among the benefits expected to be added.
Ruto said the diaper benefit was part of a commitment contained in the government’s manifesto and would be incorporated into the revised package by October 30.
“Our commitment for diapers is going to be included in the package which we are saying is being reviewed. By October 30, the benefit package will now include the diapers, as we consider the lotions needed and all the other outstanding agendas.”
Government to expand SHA benefits
The proposed diaper benefit is expected to provide additional financial relief to families following childbirth.
Diapers are a recurring expense for households with newborns, particularly during the first months of a child’s life. New mothers and their families also face costs related to postnatal check-ups, medication, nutrition and newborn care.
By incorporating diapers into SHA benefits, the government could reduce part of the non-medical expenses associated with caring for newborns.
Ruto indicated that the benefit would form part of the broader support offered to mothers delivering in healthcare facilities covered by the government, alongside maternity services and healthcare coverage for their children and families.
However, the President did not provide details on the types of diapers that would qualify, the quantities each mother would receive, the duration of the benefit or the mechanism through which mothers would access them.
Those details are expected to become clearer when the revised SHA benefits package is finalised.
More changes planned under SHA
The announcement comes as the government continues to restructure and expand the SHA system.
Ruto on Tuesday also directed that more than 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) be incorporated into SHA.
The government is expected to review the stipend arrangement for the community health workers by December 2026, potentially changing how their services are integrated into the national healthcare system.
The inclusion of CHPs is intended to strengthen primary healthcare and improve the delivery of preventive and basic health services at the community level.
The move comes amid broader government efforts to shift Kenya’s healthcare system towards primary healthcare, with community-based services expected to play a greater role in reducing pressure on hospitals.
SHA tightens requirements for healthcare providers
Meanwhile, healthcare facilities seeking to provide services under SHA are facing additional requirements.
SHA has made the use of accredited Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) mandatory for healthcare providers participating in the 2026/28 contracting cycle.
Contracted and prospective healthcare providers will be required to have a certified HMIS capable of meeting technical integration standards established by SHA and the Digital Health Agency.
The requirement is intended to improve digital health records, claims processing, monitoring and accountability within the scheme.
For mothers and families, however, the proposed diaper benefit could become one of the most visible changes in the expanded SHA package if implemented as announced.
