NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has launched a comprehensive medical insurance scheme for security officers, bringing members of the National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Prisons Service under a new health cover aimed at improving welfare and service delivery.
The ‘Usalama Cover,’ unveiled on Thursday at Avenue Hospital in Parklands, places officers and their dependents under the Social Health Authority (SHA) through the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund.
The programme officially took effect on April 1, 2026.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the initiative guarantees comprehensive healthcare, including both primary and specialised services, for security personnel.
“Through the Usalama Cover, the government is ensuring that no officer is left behind, regardless of their medical needs,” Duale said, adding that a nationwide sensitisation campaign will be rolled out to help officers understand how to access the benefits.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasised that access to uninterrupted healthcare is central to national security, noting that healthy officers are better equipped to serve the public.
“When our officers are healthy, supported and motivated, they are better equipped to protect and serve the public under demanding conditions,” he said.
Murkomen noted that the transition to SHA expands access to more than 6,000 healthcare facilities nationwide, addressing long-standing concerns raised by officers during public security forums.
The launch also highlighted ongoing reforms in the security sector, including plans to upgrade the Integrated Command, Control and Communication (IC3) centre, install CCTV systems in police stations, and enhance mobility through a vehicle leasing programme. Authorities are also rolling out a Digital Occurrence Book system to modernise policing and improve efficiency.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja welcomed the initiative, thanking President William Samoei Ruto for prioritising officers’ welfare.
“This is a recognition of the critical role officers play in safeguarding the nation and the importance of ensuring they have access to quality, affordable and timely medical care,” Kanja said.
Other senior officials present included Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gatheca, Kenya Prisons Commissioner General Patrick Aranduh, and SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi.
The rollout of the Usalama Cover aligns with broader health sector reforms under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda, which seeks to expand equitable access to healthcare services. It also reflects policy efforts to strengthen institutional support systems within the security sector.
