The government has officially transitioned from the NHIF-based Linda Mama programme to a broader maternal care package under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), now dubbed Linda Jamii.

In a statement released on Saturday, June 21, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the shift marks a critical step in advancing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

“Unlike the former NHIF scheme, which only supported the mother and newborn at delivery, the enhanced Linda Jamii now provides comprehensive care throughout the maternal journey,” Duale said.

The new package covers antenatal care, delivery including both normal and Caesarean births, postnatal care, and essential newborn services.

It also introduces critical interventions like Anti-D serum for Rhesus-negative mothers, aimed at preventing complications in future pregnancies.

Significantly, mothers can now register their spouses and children under the Linda Jamii plan—an upgrade from the previous individual-only NHIF coverage.

Reimbursement rates have also been increased. Under the SHA structure, normal deliveries now attract a reimbursement of Sh10,000, up from Sh2,500, while Caesarean Sections are covered up to Sh30,000, a significant increase from Sh5,000.

Launched in 2013 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Linda Mama programme was a cornerstone in the country’s push toward UHC.

However, with the 2023 announcement of a shift from NHIF to SHA, confusion emerged over the programme’s fate.

That uncertainty has now been addressed. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni previously announced that the maternal health initiative would not only continue but expand.

She confirmed a Sh2 billion allocation to Linda Mama, now operating under SHA.

“This is going to be a stand-alone programme under SHIF, just like it used to be, to take care of mothers and babies,” PS Muthoni said.

The revamped Linda Jamii is set to offer broader, more inclusive maternal health coverage ensuring that expectant mothers are better protected throughout their journey to motherhood.