President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to public health facilities still charging Kenyans for outpatient services, saying such practices are illegal under the government’s new Universal Health Coverage plan. He emphasized that outpatient care in public hospitals is now fully paid for by the state.
- President Ruto says outpatient services at Levels 1–4 government hospitals are fully funded.
- KSh 21 billion has been allocated to support primary care and emergency services.
- Health facilities that continue to charge patients risk disciplinary action.
- The Universal Health Coverage plan is implemented under the Social Health Authority.
- Counties have been tasked with enforcing compliance at the grassroots level.
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President William Ruto has declared that no Kenyan should pay for outpatient services at government-run dispensaries, health centres, and Level 4 hospitals. Speaking from State House, Nairobi, the president stated that these services are now covered under the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan, which is being implemented nationwide through the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA).
To ensure smooth delivery of care, Ruto revealed that the government has allocated KSh 21 billion in the current financial year. This includes KSh 13 billion for primary healthcare services and an additional KSh 8 billion for emergency care. The funding aims to make basic health services accessible to all Kenyans without any out-of-pocket costs.
The president tasked governors and county health officials with enforcing this policy at the grassroots. He warned that any facility found charging for outpatient services would be held accountable. Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who chairs the Council of Governors’ Health Committee, was among those present during the announcement.
This comes after the government deregistered over 1,000 private facilities that were caught charging patients while also making claims from the SHA. The president said such exploitation must end, and public hospitals should lead by example in delivering transparent and free care.
“Healthcare should never be a privilege it’s a right,” said Ruto, as he urged Kenyans to report any public facility still demanding payment for outpatient services.
