The Murang'a County Government plans to allocate Sh200 million in the 2025/26 financial year to fund healthcare for vulnerable groups.
In addition to covering medical costs, the programme will reward members with Sh10,000 upon legal marriage and another Sh10,000 upon the birth of their first child.
This will bring the total investment in the Kang'ata Care programme to Sh400 million since its inception in 2023, which also had a budget of Sh200 million. Despite an annual increase in the number of beneficiaries, payouts have remained constant.
According to Health Chief Officer Eliud Maina, the health secretary, the budget is being proposed under the Kang'ata Care voice—a programme aimed at uplifting those at the base of the socio-economic pyramid.
“So far, we have enlisted 40,000 households covering about 160,000 people. As long as you are a principal member, you automatically qualify for the wedding and first birth reward under Kang'ata Care,” said Mr Maina.
He described the initiative as a social incentive designed to dignify the lives of vulnerable people and make them feel appreciated, supported and valued.
“We have members who are not yet married, but we are covering their health insurance premiums outside the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA). Our members are aged between 25 and 75 years. To qualify for the benefits, one must officially get married and present an authenticated marriage certificate,” he said.
Mr Maina added, “It doesn’t matter if you were in a come-we-stay marriage. Once you legally formalise the union, you will receive your Sh10,000.”
He also clarified that if a beneficiary dies and his or her spouse remarries legally, the new marriage qualifies for the Sh10,000 support.
“Beneficiaries will receive the cash upon presenting a marriage certificate and a birth certificate of their child. Some have asked whether we’ll demand DNA tests to verify parentage. For now, a birth certificate is sufficient,” he added.
On April 15, 2025, the county government used its social media platforms to defend the scheme, saying it was not aimed at increasing Murang'a's population, which stood at 1.05 million in the 2019 census.
“The benefits are open only to Kang'ata Care members. Not every Murang’a resident is a cardholder. This is an insurance programme for vulnerable families that offers three benefits: a Sh100,000 last-expense cover, and Sh10,000 wedding and childbirth gifts,” reads the post.
Mr John Mwangi, the chairperson of the Murang'a County Assembly Health Committee, said the assembly had endorsed the programme and resolved to support it both legally and morally.
Murang’a Assembly Governance, Labour, Justice and Legal Affairs Committee chairman Gichobe Mbatia described the packages as “innovative and transformational,” noting that the criteria for identifying vulnerable beneficiaries is straightforward.
However, Mr Maina acknowledged that the programme may face political challenges around the definition of 'first birth', particularly in cases of multiple births such as twins.
“We are exploring the dynamics of cases where the first birth results in twins or more. Our current policy supports Sh10,000 for the first birth, but it may need adjustment,” he said.
The policy also requires clarity on cases of miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.
“These are healthy debates that will enrich policy development. Since legislation is not static, we can propose amendments as necessary to remain within the law,” Mr Maina noted.
Another vote in the budget will fund secondary school fees of up to Sh25,000 for a member's dependant in the event of the member's death.
"We also cover basic health needs such as dental, optical, ENT and terminal illnesses for vulnerable individuals," said Mr Maina.
He added that the next of kin of a deceased member is entitled to a payout of Sh100,000.
On April 14, 2025, Governor Irungu Kang'ata used his official X account to invite newly married Kang'ata Care members to claim their benefits.
“Are you in Kang'ata Care and have you officially wedded? Claim your gift at Murang’a Level Five Hospital. It is your right—paid for under insurance arrangements,” the post read.
In March 2025, Dr Kang’ata told Inooro FM that the programme had been affected by the national shift in health insurance.
“When we launched Kang’ata Care and aligned it with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the benefits were broader. But with the transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA), we lost some benefits. We’ve now partnered with a private insurer to keep Kang’ata Care alive,” he said.
Outside the SHA, the programme now funds funeral expenses, wedding and birth gifts, and secondary school fees for a deceased member’s child.
Mr Maina said the private insurer was brought on board to help meet the wider welfare needs of vulnerable members.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu said the programme had performed well in its initial phase under the NHIF.
“The County Government has demonstrated goodwill and creativity to help Kang’ata Care members avoid the cumbersome SHA and SHIF systems. I will remain vigilant to ensure every coin goes to its intended purpose. So far, so good,” said Mr Nyutu.
