President William Ruto has pledged comprehensive medical insurance coverage for all members of Kenya's national women's football teams through the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the scheme will cater for all healthcare needs, including specialized surgeries, as part of the government's commitment to athletes' welfare.
The President made the announcement on Tuesday during a breakfast meeting with the Harambee Starlets and Junior Starlets, who recently qualified for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup respectively.
His pledge came after some of the players raised concerns about access to quality healthcare and medical support during their careers.
Addressing the players, President Ruto assured them that no member of the teams would be left without adequate medical protection, emphasizing that the government would meet all treatment costs through SHA.
"I want to assure you as you step forward that you will have a cover that will cover everything, including the surgery that you are talking about," he said.
The Head of State extended the commitment beyond the athletes, saying the government's goal is to ensure that every Kenyan has access to affordable healthcare regardless of their social or economic status.
"We will also make sure that every parent and every Kenyan has an opportunity for them and their medical coverage to be covered, and that is the reason why today 31.7 million Kenyans registered in SHA," he said.
Ruto urged Kenyans who are yet to enroll in the Social Health Authority to do so, insisting that healthcare is not a privilege but a constitutional right guaranteed to every citizen.
"I want to encourage the people of our great nation to listen to me carefully, so that we can all move together," he said, adding that, "the Constitution of Kenya... says health is not for those who can afford it; health is the right of every Kenyan."
The President also linked the players' concerns to the government's broader social agenda, noting that many talented athletes come from informal settlements where access to basic services remains a challenge.
He reiterated his administration's commitment to the Affordable Housing Programme, saying no Kenyan should continue living in conditions that undermine human dignity.
Beyond healthcare, Ruto assured the two national teams that the government had settled their outstanding allowances to enable them to focus fully on preparations for their upcoming international assignments.
He disclosed that Sh33 million had already been paid and promised that any remaining issues would be resolved.
"We want you to play not with the background that there is still something outstanding," he said. "I will make sure that everybody is taken care of."