SHA To Now Cover Mental Health: CS Duale
The integration, now part of the Kenya Taifa Care Model under the Social Health Authority (SHA), means Kenyans can finally access therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care without facing financial ruin
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
In a landmark move that’s being hailed as a game-changer for public health, the Kenyan government has officially included mental health services in the national insurance benefits package — a first in the country’s history.
The announcement was made by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the opening of the 2nd National Mental Health Conference 2025 in Nairobi, themed “Securing the Future: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health for Generations.”
The integration, now part of the Kenya Taifa Care Model under the Social Health Authority (SHA), means Kenyans can finally access therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care without facing financial ruin — a major win in the push for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“For the first time, mental health services are now part of the national insurance benefits package, ensuring that no Kenyan has to choose between caring for their mind and feeding their family. This is the true meaning of ‘Afya Bora kwa Wakenya Wote’ — quality healthcare for every Kenyan, without financial hardship,” CS Duale announced on Wednesday, October 8.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale speaking during the opening of the 2nd National Mental Health Conference 2025 in Nairobi on October 8, 2025. /MINISTRY OF HEALTH
The Ministry of Health says the reform redefines how mental health is perceived, funded, and delivered, anchored in the Mental Health Act 2023 and the Kenya Mental Health Policy, which recognizes mental health as a fundamental human right.
The government is also scaling up community access through 107,000 digitally equipped Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who will now offer mental health screening and support directly at the grassroots. The move is part of Kenya’s broader health reform agenda to take services “from hospitals to homes.”
At the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, Duale reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to building sustainable and inclusive mental health systems, saying the country is now positioning itself as a continental and global leader in mental health advocacy.
The three-day conference brings together government officials, health experts, academia, the private sector, and development partners to discuss the future of Kenya’s mental health landscape.
Among those present were Dr. Mercy Karanja, Acting Head of the Mental Health Division; Dr. Frank Njenga, former Presidential Advisor on Mental Health; Dr. Ouma Oluga, PS for Medical Services; and representatives from Johnson & Johnson, Aga Khan University Hospital, Amref Health Africa, and the Council of Governors.
Duale urged county governments, schools, faith leaders, and civil society to rally around the cause, noting that mental health is no longer a side issue — it’s central to Kenya’s social and economic well-being.
Why This Matters
Kenya’s decision to include mental health services in the national insurance package is more than a policy win — it’s a lifeline for millions. Data shows that around 1 in 4 Kenyans live with some form of mental health condition, yet access to care remains painfully limited.
Among outpatients, about 25% suffer from mental health disorders, while that number climbs to 40% among inpatients. Despite this burden, only about 20–25% of those who need mental health services can access them, leaving the vast majority untreated.
The system’s human resource gap makes the crisis even worse. Kenya has roughly 106 to 150 psychiatrists serving a population of over 50 million, and most are concentrated in Nairobi or in private practice. That means millions of people outside major cities are left with little to no access to professional help.
According to the Ministry of Health, about 3.7 million working Kenyans, nearly 15% of the employed population, live with a mental health condition that affects their productivity and overall quality of life.
By integrating mental health into the Taifa Care Model under the Social Health Authority (SHA), the government is removing the financial barrier that has long prevented access to care. It also challenges stigma, signaling that mental wellness is as important as physical health.
This reform expands the reach of care to the community level through thousands of digitally equipped Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who can now offer early intervention and support.
Ultimately, this move is a massive step toward true Universal Health Coverage — one that protects both body and mind. It’s a shift from treating mental health as a side issue to recognizing it as central to Kenya’s development, resilience, and future well-being.
