ANONYMOUS PHILANTHROPIST AMONG STAKEHOLDERS PAYING SHA FOR OVER 2 MILLION KENYANS

An anonymous philanthropist is among the stakeholders who have been unveiled as sponsors for the Social Health Authority (SHA), through which over 2 million Kenyans are set to benefit. President William Ruto, on Friday, September 19, announced that the government will fully cover SHA services for 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans at no cost.
Speaking during the Government SHA Support for Vulnerable Households event held at State House, Nairobi, the President said the initiative is part of his bottom-up economic model aimed at reaching the country’s most disadvantaged citizens.
“Today, I want to say that the government will pay for the SHA cover for 2.2 million Kenyans for free. As you leave from here, you will be assured that SHA will cover you,” Ruto stated.
He further explained that the program is designed to sponsor vulnerable households and is fully grounded in law. The government remains the lead donor, with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirming that Ksh4.4 billion has already been committed to the scheme.
President Ruto added that the list of beneficiaries has been shared with development partners and philanthropists who have expressed interest in supporting the program.
Among those unveiled was an anonymous philanthropist, who made a substantial contribution to the SHA fund. The President thanked the unnamed donor, stating that the individual requested anonymity despite having funded coverage for 113,000 Kenyans.
“There is also a friend of Kenya who has contributed and said they will cover 113,000 Kenyans under SHA. Let’s give them a round of applause! They have requested to remain anonymous. Therefore, on behalf of the government and the people of Kenya, we would like to thank this philanthropist a man with a great heart.”
According to the SHA donor portal, the anonymous philanthropist has contributed Ksh900 million, enough to cover 113,637 households, which translates to 454.546 beneficiaries.Several county governors also pledged support for the SHA program through financial contributions.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata committed Ksh171 million, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya pledged Ksh23 million, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko contributed Ksh5.6 million, while Mombasa Governor Sheriff Nassir offered Ksh3.6 million.