Linda Mama: Ruto's Govt Re-Introduces Free Maternity Programme Under SHA

• The government announced plans to fully roll out the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) in October 2024
• Social Health Authority (SHA), which took over from the management of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), announced the resumption of the Linda Mama programme
• SHA urged Kenyans seeking maternity services to access the services at the nearest health facilities

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Kenyans can now access Linda Mama services at their nearest health facility.

Social Health Authority (SHA) announced the resumption of the Linda Mama Programme after it was halted for the past year.

When should Kenyan mothers access Linda Mama services?

In a press statement on Friday, August 16, SHA urged expectant mothers to visit any health facility for the service.

"Mothers and mothers to be, are encouraged to continue accessing these essential services at the nearest healthcare facility or hospital," said SHA acting CEO Elijah Wachira.

What are the benefits of reviving Linda Mama?

The authority revealed that the programme will continue under the management of Social Health Insurance (SHIF), which will commence in October 2024.

Linda Mama was launched in 2013 and provided crucial maternal care to 7.5 million expectant mothers.

In the 2022/23 financial year, one million mothers benefited from the program, with over 70% of deliveries done in public healthcare facilities.

SHA said SHIF will cover expectant mothers under the maternity package as follows:

• Expectant mothers will get care during their pregnancy and delivery -In case of complications mother and baby will be cared for
• SHIF will take care of mother and baby after delivery

The Linda Mama programme will ensure mothers get enhanced benefits seamlessly under the management of the Social Health Authority.

Health CS pledge for Linda Mama

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Debra Barasa Mlongo promised to resume the Linda Mama programme when she appeared before the National Assembly vetting committee.

Barasa shared her policy framework on how she will revive the sector, which has faced numerous challenges affecting the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

Barasa explained that she is a beneficiary of Linda Mama, including her daughter, adding that she will incorporate it under SHIF.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.