Ruto: 138,000 police, prison officers get expanded health cover

President William Ruto announced on Friday that over 138,000 police and prison officers, along with their eligible dependents, are now covered under the Usalama Cover medical scheme. This expansion is part of the Government's initiative to improve healthcare access for security personnel through the Social Health Authority. The President highlighted this during the passing-out parade of the General Service Unit (GSU) Officers, Detail No. 1 of 2025, held at the National Police College in Embakasi 'B' Campus.

The new healthcare scheme now offers access to a network of more than 8,000 facilities spread across all 47 counties, providing officers and their families with greater choice and flexibility in accessing medical care. This service covers outpatient and inpatient care, surgery, maternity, chronic and pre-existing conditions, specialist, dental, optical, and diagnostic services.

President Ruto emphasized that officers are no longer restricted to a limited network and can now access eligible services nationwide, with digital approvals processed in under 15 minutes.

At the GSU Training School in Embakasi, the newly constructed SHA block at the GSU Health Centre was showcased as a further enhancement to the healthcare facilities. President Ruto also announced the expansion of mental-health and psychosocial support for police officers, acknowledging the trauma that can result from their demanding service. He stressed that seeking help should not be misconstrued as weakness.

Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, praised the new generation of elite officers who have undergone rigorous training in discipline, endurance, leadership, and operational skills. Lagat highlighted the importance of raising the police-to-citizen ratio and strengthening the Service's capacity to ensure public safety.

He also commended the graduates for being prepared for the evolving policing landscape, where technology is reshaping both crime and police response. Lagat urged the graduands to apply the lessons learned during their training in their future assignments, marking the GSU Passing-Out Parade as a celebration of their professional journey into the Kenya Police Service.