Senator Puts SHA On Notice For Dropping People With Disabilities
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has expressed worry over claims that a group of people with serious disabilities may no longer be protected by their parents’ Social Health Authority (SHA) coverage after they turn 18.
Asige mentioned a recent situation in Trans Nzoia County in which a 28-year-old person with significant disability was advised that they could no longer be covered by their parents’ SHA and would have to pay independently.
The senator criticized the move, claiming that it fails to capture the realities of people with lifelong impairments who rely on caregivers for daily support, decision-making, and access to healthcare.
It’s official. Cabinet has confirmed that they are knowingly delaying and denying the legal rights of persons with disabilities in Kenya. And if you listened LIVE, you heard the uproar that came from all senators.
— Crystal Asige (@CrystalAsige) February 27, 2026
During the senate Assessment & Planning Retreat, I asked the CS… pic.twitter.com/Oaa113hYiw
“Disability is about ability, not age. Many adults with severe disabilities rely on caregivers for daily living, decision-making and accessing healthcare,” Asige posted on X.
“Cutting coverage at 18, even for those with lifelong disabilities, ignores reality and violates their rights.”
Asige cited the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, which offer free healthcare without discrimination and require public health services to satisfy their needs.
She emphasized that policies that limit coverage based on age risk weaken vulnerable people’s rights, emphasizing that disability-related dependency does not end with adulthood.
I’m deeply concerned by increasing reports, including just yesterday from Trans Nzoia County, that a 28 year old with severe disability was told they can no longer be covered under their parent’s SHA and must start paying independently.
— Crystal Asige (@CrystalAsige) February 27, 2026
Let me be clear: disability is about… pic.twitter.com/05ET0uoxk3
“Ministry of Health policies must reflect lived realities because disability dependency does not end with a birthday,” she added.
Asige asked the government to move quickly to match health policy with existing legal protections, stating that failure to do so would constitute discrimination.
“Kenya cannot fail its people with disabilities. We must uphold their rights without delays or arbitrary decision-making,” she stated.
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Her comments come amid continuous investigation of the Social Health Authority and the Ministry of Health.
However, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently rejected calls for his resignation over purported financial and operational issues with the system.
“…why should I resign? I don’t need to resign,” Duale stated on January 28, 2026.
“If I commit anything contrary to my oath of office, there are various ways of dealing with me: impeaching me by Parliament; the criminal justice system dealing with me if I have integrity issues; I’m a political appointee, the President can one morning say I need another minister for Health.”
Senator Puts SHA On Notice For Dropping People With Disabilities
