Government to Strengthen SHA Services in Schools, Intensify Fight Against Drug Abuse

News Updated: 11 July 2026 09:13 EAT

The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, has announced that the Ministry of Health is working closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure health facilities serving learning institutions are fully supported under the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme.

Speaking during the prize-giving day at Kerugoya Boys High School in Kirinyaga County, Muthoni said the partnership aims to bring quality healthcare services closer to learners, noting that school-going children are already covered under SHA through their parents or guardians.

She said strengthening school-linked health services will enable students to access timely medical care without unnecessary financial burden on their families.

The PS further revealed that the Ministry of Health will collaborate with the Ministry of Education to educate teachers and parents on emerging drug abuse trends among learners. She warned that traffickers are increasingly disguising narcotic substances as ordinary products, making them difficult to detect.

Muthoni said some of the products resemble pens, lipsticks and perfume bottles, yet they contain harmful drugs that pose serious health risks to children. She noted that many teachers and parents are unaware of the appearance of these new products, allowing them to find their way into schools.

She called for increased vigilance among parents, teachers and the wider community to protect children from drug abuse, saying early detection and awareness are key in addressing the growing menace.

At the same time, Muthoni urged Kenyans to avoid self-medication, warning that taking medicines without proper medical advice can lead to serious health complications and delay appropriate treatment.

She encouraged members of the public to seek treatment at health facilities whenever they fall ill, adding that services at primary healthcare facilities are free. She emphasized that all health facilities accredited under SHA should not charge patients for services covered under the scheme because the government has already provided funding to support their operations.

Muthoni reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening primary healthcare and ensuring every Kenyan has access to affordable, quality health services through the Social Health Authority.