The government has officially integrated mental health services into the national insurance benefits package under the Taifa Care Model and the Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a milestone in the country’s healthcare system.
The move reinforces Kenya’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring equitable access to comprehensive healthcare for all citizens.
Speaking during the opening of the 2nd National Mental Health Conference 2025 in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale underscored the significance of the policy shift.
The conference, themed “Securing the Future, A Holistic Approach to Mental Health for Generations,” brought together stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and development partners.
“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,” said Aden Duale.
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.
These frameworks recognise mental health as a fundamental human right and guarantee dignity, access, and protection for individuals living with mental illness.
Duale also reaffirmed Kenya’s leadership in mental health advocacy during the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health.
He said Kenya is committed to building sustainable and inclusive mental health systems and advancing Africa’s united voice for mental well-being.
A key reform highlighted by the Cabinet Secretary is the decentralisation of mental health services through 107,000 digitally empowered Community Health Promoters (CHPs).
According to the ministry, these frontline workers provide early, person-centred support and bring essential services closer to communities, reinforcing the rollout of Kenya’s Taifa Care Model.
In his remarks, Duale called for multisectoral collaboration to strengthen Kenya’s collective response to mental health challenges.
“We must work together, national and county governments, schools, faith leaders, civil society, and the private sector, to secure the mental well-being of our people,” he said.
The three-day conference aims to develop a roadmap for a mentally healthy nation and share innovative, evidence-based interventions that will shape Kenya’s future mental health agenda.
The integration of mental health into the SHA benefits package marks a transformative step toward inclusive and sustainable healthcare in Kenya.
