Editor's Review

President William Ruto has announced the government's plan to give new mothers free diapers under the Social Health Authority (SHA). 

President William Ruto has announced the government's plan to give new mothers free diapers under the Social Health Authority (SHA). 

In a statement on Wednesday, August 19, President Ruto said the government is finalizing the inclusion of free diapers for new mothers in the SHA benefits package. 

“Further, in keeping with the commitment we made in our manifesto, we are finalising the inclusion of free diapers for new mothers as part of the SHA benefits package,” Ruto announced.

Speaking on Tuesday night during the Kenya Health Summit held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the Head of State said free diapers will be included in the SHA maternal benefit package by October 30, 2026. 

“By 30th of October, which is in two months’ time, the benefits package will now include the provision of diapers as was in our commitment,” Ruto said. 

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File image of President William Ruto. 

At the same time, President Ruto said the government will begin paying health insurance contributions under SHA for all Community Health Promoters (CHPs).

Ruto said the arrangement will take effect from Monday, August 24, with county governments responsible for half of the contributions while the national government will cover the remaining half.

"We have committed to pay SHA for every Community Health Promoter effective Monday. 50% to be paid by the county government and 50% by the national government," he said.

Further, the President promised to improve the employment terms of doctors and other health workers recruited under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.

Ruto also said the government will engage the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDU) to pursue negotiations without resorting to industrial action. 

“We assure our doctors that the Government will engage the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board in constructive dialogue towards the conclusion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement to avert unnecessary industrial action by medics,” President Ruto added.