NAIROBI- Kenya’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) have received a major boost with the rollout of the expanded Linda Jamii maternal care package under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The announcement was made by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who described the move as a significant improvement over the previous NHIF-based Linda Mama scheme.

In his statement, CS Duale outlined the new benefits and enhancements under Linda Jamii, which now offers comprehensive care across the full maternal journey — including antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, and essential newborn services.

The transition from the NHIF-based Linda Mama to the more robust Linda Jamii package under the Social Health Authority (SHA) is a major milestone in advancing Kenya's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

Unlike the former NHIF scheme which only supported the mother and…

— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) June 21, 2025

“Unlike the former NHIF scheme which only supported mothers and newborns at delivery, Linda Jamii now ensures continuous and dignified care before, during, and after childbirth,” Duale noted.

Broader Coverage for Mothers and Families

A key upgrade in the Linda Jamii package is its inclusivity. Mothers can now register their spouses and children under the scheme, expanding coverage from individuals to entire families — a shift designed to ease the financial burden on households.

Covered services include:

• Antenatal Care (ANC)
• Normal and Caesarean deliveries
• Postnatal Care (PNC)
• Newborn health services

Critical Additions: Anti-D Serum Now Covered

CS Duale also highlighted the inclusion of Anti-D serum treatment, a vital intervention for Rhesus-negative mothers that helps prevent complications in future pregnancies. This service had not been covered under Linda Mama and is seen as a key life-saving addition.

Higher Reimbursement Rates for Health Facilities

To support quality care delivery, the government has significantly increased reimbursement rates for maternal services:

• Normal delivery: Raised from Sh2,500 to Sh10,000
• Caesarean Section: Increased from Sh5,000 to Sh30,000

“These changes align reimbursement with the real cost of care, ensuring that facilities can sustainably offer high-quality maternal services,” said Duale.

A Strategic Shift Under the SHA

Linda Jamii is being implemented under the new Social Health Authority (SHA), which has assumed key responsibilities previously held by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). The SHA is central to the government’s strategy for strengthening health financing and service delivery across the country.

Health officials say the new package reflects a broader push to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality while ensuring that more Kenyan families can access essential health services without facing financial hardship.