Strengthening Maternal Health Financing under the Social Health Authority in Makueni County

About the study

This qualitative health-systems study explored how the transition from Kenya's Linda Mama programme to the Social Health Authority and the Linda Jamii package is affecting maternal health financing and service delivery in Makueni County.

The study focused on facility-level experiences and examined how health workers and health system actors were navigating registration, claims, reimbursement and access to maternal health services during the transition.

Background and rationale

Maternal health financing is central to ensuring that women can access essential pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal services without financial hardship. Kenya's Linda Mama programme previously provided free maternity care through the National Hospital Insurance Fund.

The transition to the Social Health Authority introduced a new financing and administrative framework intended to support universal health coverage. However, implementation at facility level has created new operational and financial challenges.

Research objectives

This study seeks to understand how the transition from Kenya's Linda Mama programme to the Social Health Authority is affecting maternal health financing and service delivery in Makueni County. Specifically, the research examines:

• How health workers and system actors are navigating registration, claims and reimbursement under the new framework.
• The operational and financial challenges created by the transition at facility level.
• How the change is affecting access to maternal health services for women.

Methodology

The study uses a qualitative health-systems approach, combining policy analysis with primary research at facility level. In-depth interviews are conducted with health workers and health system actors involved in maternal health financing and service delivery. The research explores experiences, perceptions and practices during the transition period, with findings interpreted through a health-systems lens.

Key findings

The findings from this research are currently being analysed and synthesised. Emerging themes relate to the practical challenges of implementing the new financing framework, the experiences of health workers and facilities navigating the transition, and the implications for maternal health service access and quality in Makueni County.

Recommendations

Recommendations arising from the research will be developed in consultation with stakeholders and will focus on practical actions to strengthen maternal health financing and service delivery under the Social Health Authority framework.

Conclusion

The transition from Linda Mama to the Social Health Authority represents a significant change in Kenya's maternal health financing landscape. Understanding how this change is experienced at facility level is essential for identifying areas where implementation support, policy refinement and system strengthening are most needed.

References

Full references from the research report will be published alongside the completed study findings.