Ruto highlights SHA and affordable housing as 2025 achievements

President William Ruto has singled out the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) as the standout achievements of his administration in 2025, saying the two flagship initiatives have begun to fundamentally transform the lives of millions of Kenyans.

In his New Year address, the President said the country made significant progress despite local and global challenges, noting that unity of purpose, targeted reforms, and bold new strategies had started yielding tangible results.

"And indeed, looking back, this has been the year in which our deliberate choices, sometimes difficult and often demanding, began to pay off,” President Ruto said.

"For the first time in a long while, Kenya is not guessing. We are not drifting. We are not gambling. We have set our targets, begun the journey, and now have a clear roadmap.”

He described 2026 as a watershed year, when the sacrifices and reforms of the past two years will fully bear fruit, positioning Kenya on a firmer path toward inclusive growth and social protection.

On healthcare, President Ruto said the Social Health Authority has become a lifeline for ordinary citizens, expanding access to quality services under the universal healthcare programme.

He revealed that more than 29 million Kenyans are now registered under SHA.

“Across the country, stories of care, relief, dignity, and support are being told quietly and powerfully by ordinary citizens whose lives have been transformed,” he said, adding that the foundations laid have enabled millions to access affordable and quality healthcare.

To illustrate the impact, the President cited the case of a single mother of six whose 17-year-old daughter suffered from severe and abnormal breast overgrowth that caused pain, limited mobility, and emotional distress.

SHA cleared a Sh168,000 bill at Kenyatta National Hospital and covered all post-operative care.

“No out-of-pocket payment was required. Lydia has since recovered well, regained her confidence and dignity, and is preparing to resume her education as she joins Form Four,” President Ruto said.

He also highlighted the case of a 41-year-old widow, mother of five, and a mama mboga from Kisumu, who was diagnosed with Stage II oesophageal cancer.

As an SHA member contributing Sh7,000 annually, she received treatment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, with SHA covering medical costs exceeding Sh250,000, including surgery, intensive care, and post-operative management.

Her chemotherapy, scheduled to begin on January 15, will also be fully covered.

“These are not isolated stories. They reflect the experiences of millions of Kenyans benefiting from deliberate policy choices,” the President said.

On housing, President Ruto said the Affordable Housing Programme has restored dignity to low-income families, citing the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project, which has transformed the skyline of the informal settlement.

He pointed to Mama Jerusha Muthoni, whose dream of owning a decent home became a reality in 2025 after years of living in a single, overcrowded room.

“She moved into a modern, affordable home with clean water, electricity, and proper sanitation. Dignity replaced survival,” he said.