Gov't rolls out Usalama Cover for over 100,000 police officers, dependents

More than 100,000 officers and their dependents under the National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) have been enrolled in the Usalama Cover, a medical scheme under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).

The programme, launched through the Social Health Authority (SHA), aims to provide uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services for security personnel.

The launch took place at Avenue Hospital, Nairobi, in a ceremony attended by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and senior officials from the security, health, and public service sectors.

Speaking at the event, CS Murkomen described the initiative as the result of coordinated policy action at the highest levels of government. He stressed that the scheme is part of broader efforts to support security personnel. “This move is the outcome of deliberate, sustained presidential commitment and collaboration among the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, NPS, SHA, and other stakeholders,” he said.

Murkomen also clarified that emergency medical treatment in Kenya is already free. “Whether it’s a car accident or any other life-threatening situation, patients can access emergency care at any hospital in the country for 24 hours at no cost through SHA,” he noted.

Health CS Duale directed all contracted health facilities to adhere strictly to the scheme’s regulations, warning against illegal billing practices.

“Co-payments and out-of-pocket cash demands from members are strictly forbidden. Any facility found violating this will face immediate suspension and must issue a full refund,” he said.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said the transition to SHA has been smooth and positively received by officers. “This move has boosted morale and motivated officers to provide better services, knowing that their health is protected,” he said.

"Let me encourage all our police officers to embrace this with an open hand," he said, while emphasising that "we have a duty to ensure our servicemen are well taken care of, because their wellness guarantees secure borders."

The Usalama Cover provides a wide range of medical services, including general outpatient care, diagnostic tests, laboratory tests, and imaging. SHA said the scheme is designed to reduce delays, simplify access through digital platforms, and offer round-the-clock support to officers and their families.