Central to its commitment to achieving 'universal health coverage' for all its citizens, the Kenya government continues to promote the expansion of national health insurance, NHIF, to include the informal sector, free maternal healthcare, and health insurance subsidies for the vulnerable populations. Additionally, the government promises a more equitable and inclusive health system and financial protection, a move that invites citizens to feel entitled to healthcare access and welfare. This paper discusses the ways Kenya's national health insurance opens up avenues for care, yet continues to offer both limited and unreliable access to healthcare. The paper explores different ways patients, their kin and health workers navigate persistent complexities, frustrations and failures of national health insurance and public healthcare.