Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has questioned reports that some adults with severe disabilities are being removed from their parents’ Social Health Authority cover once they turn 18.
She raised the matter after a case emerged in Trans Nzoia County involving a 28-year-old person with a severe disability who was reportedly told they could no longer remain under their parents’ SHA cover and would now be required to pay independently.
The senator said such a move does not reflect the daily reality of many families living with disability.
According to her, age alone should not determine access to medical cover for people whose conditions require lifelong care and support.
She argued that many adults with severe disabilities rely fully on caregivers for daily living, decision-making and accessing healthcare services.
“Disability is about ability not age. Many adults with severe disabilities rely on caregivers for daily living, decision-making and accessing healthcare. Cutting coverage at 18 even for those with lifelong disabilities, ignores reality and violates their rights,” Asige posted on X.
She pointed to the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, saying it guarantees free healthcare for persons with disabilities without discrimination. The law also requires public health services to respond to their specific needs. In her view, placing age limits on coverage without considering the nature of disability risks going against these protections.
Asige maintained that turning 18 does not automatically make a person with severe disability financially or socially independent.
She said policies must be shaped by real life situations faced by families across the country.
“Ministry of Health policies must reflect lived realities because disability dependency does not end with a birthday,” she added.
The senator called on the government to urgently align health policies with existing legal safeguards to avoid discrimination. She warned that failing to do so would leave vulnerable individuals exposed and unsupported.
“Kenya cannot fail its people with disabilities. We must uphold their rights without delays or arbitrary decision-making,” she stated.
Her comments come at a time when the Social Health Authority and the Ministry of Health are facing public scrutiny.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently responded to calls for his resignation over reported financial and operational challenges within the scheme.
“…why should I resign? I don’t need to resign. 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,” Duale stated on January 28, 2026.
