The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will incorporate Linda Mama - a 12-month coverage for nursing mothers following a countrywide outcry, Health and Professional Standards Principal Mary Muthoni has affirmed.

Addressing members of the public on Monday, August 5, 2024, PS Muthoni revealed that the government had allocated Ksh2 billion towards the continuation of the Linda Mama programme under SHIF.

"I've heard people talk about social health insurance fund, and I want to assure all the mothers in this country that the government has listened. Linda Mama is going to be in SHIF," she stated.

Linda Mama, a programme under the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), offered 12-month maternity care for new mothers including ante-natal clinic visits, deliveries, post-natal clinics, and newborn care.

Following the introduction of SHIF, members of the public grew increasingly concerned over the abolishment of Linda Mama which offered free maternity services to mothers across the country. This had been projected to result in an increase in infant mortality rates.

PS Muthoni reassured Kenyans that Linda Mama will be a cornerstone service within SHIF.

"The health of our mothers and the children is very key. So, let us not have some other stories. I'm telling you now, it appears, and from the name, it's your help. But Linda Mama is there,” she stressed.

“This year alone, we have injected about Ksh2 billion for the program alone. Therefore, let us not get worried,” the PS added.