President William Ruto on Thursday jokingly urged men to slow down on getting their partners pregnant as he unveiled expanded maternal healthcare under the government's Linda Jamii programme, saying expectant mothers will now receive free antenatal care from the time pregnancy is confirmed until childbirth.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with Nairobi County artisans, the President's humorous remarks drew laughter from the audience before he explained that the government was increasing investment in maternal and family healthcare through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
"The Constitution of Kenya requires us, as the government, to ensure that every Kenyan has access to healthcare, regardless of where they come from or whether they have a payslip. Let me remind you that what was previously known as Linda Mama is now Linda Jamii. Once a pregnancy is confirmed, the Government of Kenya will pay for all your antenatal clinic visits until the baby is delivered. We will ensure that the child, the mother and the father are all taken care of," Ruto said.
Nairobi County artisans at State House, Nairobi on July 23, 2026. PHOTO/PCS
The President said Linda Jamii, which succeeds the former Linda Mama programme, goes beyond maternity care by providing broader family health coverage under SHA. He said the programme ensures expectant mothers receive fully funded antenatal services before extending care to the baby, mother and father after delivery.
Ruto said the expansion is part of the government's efforts to fulfil its constitutional duty of providing healthcare to every Kenyan, regardless of their income or employment status.
He also gave an update on the rollout of SHA, revealing that Nairobi County has registered 2.85 million members, making it the country's leading county in enrolment.
Nationally, the President said 31.5 million Kenyans have signed up for SHA, up from about eight million people who were previously covered under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
He added that the government has continued to increase funding for healthcare services under SHA to support the growing number of beneficiaries.
By the end of June 2026, county health facilities had submitted claims worth Sh40.91 billion, with Sh27.91 billion already paid while the remaining claims are under review.
Ruto maintained that the ongoing healthcare reforms are guided by the Constitution and are aimed at ensuring every Kenyan can access quality healthcare without financial barriers.
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