As of 2026, the Social Health Authority (SHA) covers maternity services. The previous standalone Linda Mama program has been fully integrated into the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to provide a more streamlined and sustainable approach to maternal healthcare.
Under the new SHA framework, expectant mothers can access comprehensive services ranging from prenatal care to delivery and postnatal support.
Understanding the SHA Maternity Benefits
The transition from Linda Mama to SHA has shifted the way services are funded. Instead of a separate program, maternity care is now handled through three specific funds:
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Primary Healthcare Fund: This covers prenatal (ANC) and postnatal (PNC) visits at Level 2 (Dispensaries) and Level 3 (Health Centers). These services are generally provided without out-of-pocket costs at public facilities for registered members.
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Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF): This fund pays for the actual delivery. SHA has set standardized rates for hospitals, covering approximately 11,200 KES for a normal delivery and 32,600 KES for a Caesarean Section (C-Section).
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Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund: This serves as a safety net. If a mother or newborn faces life-threatening complications requiring ICU or specialized emergency care, this fund covers the costs beyond the standard delivery limits.
Key Requirements for Access
To benefit from these maternity services, the following conditions must be met:
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Mandatory Registration: Unlike the old system where some mothers could register at the hospital during labor, SHA requires prior registration. All Kenyans must be registered in the SHA database to access these benefits.
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Facility Accreditation: Coverage is available at all SHA-contracted facilities, which include public hospitals, faith-based organizations, and participating private clinics.
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Digital Authentication: The system uses digital identifiers to verify the identity of the mother at the point of care to reduce fraud and ensure the right person receives the benefit.
Optimize Your Employee Wellness
Managing health benefits and payroll transitions can be complex for any HR department. At FaidiHR, we specialize in streamlining HR processes to ensure your team stays compliant and informed.
Contact us today for a consultation:
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Call: +256 702 339 699
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Email: sales@faidihr.com