Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga speaking on October 8, 2025 / SHA XThe Social Health Authority has partnered with the Kenya Rugby Union to promote health, wellness and environmental sustainability through sport.
Under the deal, SHA becomes the official health partner for Kenya’s national rugby teams, with all registered players set to be enrolled under the SHA health cover.
The package includes benefits such as surgeries, treatment of injuries, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga said the collaboration will help cushion athletes from the financial burden of medical care.
“Some players have received critical support through SHA, preventing careers from being cut short by lack of affordable healthcare,” he said.
The partnership will be officially launched during the Safari 7s Tournament scheduled for October 10–12, 2025, at Nyayo Stadium.
During the event, SHA will provide ambulances, emergency medical cover, and health awareness activities under the theme “Play Well, Live Well.”
Beyond the tournament, the two organisations will extend their collaboration through health awareness campaigns, community outreach, and wellness programmes throughout the 2025 rugby season.
To mark the launch, SHA and KRU led a tree-planting exercise ahead of Mazingira Day on October 10, reaffirming their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Oluga said the partnership is a long-term investment in athlete welfare and community health, aligning with SHA’s broader goal of moving Kenya closer to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In a related development, the government has integrated mental health services into the national insurance benefits package under the Taifa Care Model and SHA, marking a milestone in healthcare reform.
Speaking during the opening of the 2nd National Mental Health Conference in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the move reinforces Kenya’s commitment to achieving UHC and ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
“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,” Duale said.
He noted that the Ministry of Health is transforming how mental health is perceived, financed, and delivered, guided by the Mental Health Act, 2023, and the Kenya Mental Health Policy, which recognise mental health as a fundamental human right.
