New Usalama Cover guarantees emergency evacuation for police, prisons officers
NAIROBI, Kenya, April 2 – Kenya’s security sector has received a major boost with the launch of the Usalama Cover, a comprehensive medical scheme that guarantees air and road evacuation for police and prison officers in emergency situations.
The scheme, rolled out by the Social Health Authority (SHA), promises uninterrupted care, faster access, 24/7 support and simplified digital services for officers and their families.
The programme was unveiled at Avenue Hospital, Nairobi, in a ceremony presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
More than 100,000 officers and their dependents from the National Police Service (NPS) and
Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) are being onboarded under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
CS Murkomen emphasised that emergency medical care remains one of the least understood rights among Kenyans.
“Many Kenyans don’t understand that emergency medical treatment is free in Kenya,” he said. “Whether it’s a car accident or any other life-threatening situation, everyone must know that they can go to any hospital in the country and receive free treatment for 24 hours by SHA.”
He added that the Usalama Cover represents the culmination of high-level political intent and coordinated institutional effort.
“This move did not happen by accident; it is the result of deliberate, sustained presidential commitment and the dedicated work of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, NPS and SHA Authority, among other key stakeholders,” he said.
According to him, the initiative reflects a government “systematically transforming how it treats its security officers as part of a bottom-up economic agenda.”
A major highlight of the new scheme is the inclusion of Air and Road Evacuation, ensuring that officers injured or taken ill in remote or high-risk environments can be transported to safety without delay.
Combined with a broad package covering General Outpatient Services, Outpatient
Diagnostic Services, medical tests, laboratory tests and imaging, the Usalama Cover aims to reduce treatment delays and ease the stress long associated with accessing medical care within the disciplined services.
On his part, CS Duale issued a stern warning to contracted health facilities against exploiting officers.
“Co-payments and out-of-pocket cash demands from our members are strictly forbidden,” he said. “Any facility found demanding cash from our officers for covered services will be cited for breach of contract. They will face immediate suspension and will be compelled to issue a full refund.”
In conclusion, the Inspector General of the NPS Douglas Kanja welcomed the transition, describing it as a morale booster for the service.
“This move has motivated officers to provide better services to the public and the country, knowing they have a government that cares for them,” he said. He added that the transition to SHA has been smooth. “We haven’t received any complaints, and I believe it will continue to run smoothly going forward.”
The launch brought together top security and health officials, including Commissioner
General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, Deputy IG Eliud Lagat, Deputy IG (APS) Gilbert
Masengeli, Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gathecha, DCI Director Mohammed Amin, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Agency CEO Eng. Anthony Lenayara and KNPS Accounting Officer Bernice Sialaal Lemedeket.
The event was hosted by Avenue Hospital Chairperson Dr. Lawrence Ndondi.
With emergency evacuation now guaranteed, coupled with comprehensive benefits and strict enforcement of patient protections, the Usalama Cover stands as one of the most significant commitments to the well-being, dignity and safety of Kenya’s security officers.