President William Ruto has issued a firm directive telling Kenyans not to pay for services at dispensaries and health centres across the country.
In a statement shared by Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, the President stressed that primary healthcare in Kenya is free of charge and no Kenyan should be asked to pay for it.
“President William Samoei Ruto is asking all Kenyans to reject any attempts to charge them for treatment at dispensaries and health centres. Primary healthcare is absolutely FREE,” Itumbi wrote.
This directive is tied to the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, which is being implemented under the newly created Social Health Authority (SHA). The programme is meant to make basic healthcare accessible to all Kenyans without financial burden.
What the SHA Package Covers
Under the SHA system, primary healthcare services include free consultations, diagnostic tests, prescribed medicines, basic radiology services, laboratory tests, immunisations, maternal and child healthcare, mental health support, and even minor outpatient procedures.
The government has assured that these services are fully covered and should not attract any direct charges from patients.
Health CS Duale Reaffirms Government’s Commitment
Only a few weeks ago, on July 5, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale restated that the government is determined to strengthen the country’s primary healthcare system. He highlighted the importance of accountability, ensuring timely payment of frontline health workers, and protecting public funds under the SHA.
CS Duale was clear that any Kenyan who is registered under the SHA should receive free treatment at dispensaries, health centres, and sub-county hospitals.
Despite these assurances, however, reports have continued to emerge showing that many public facilities still charge patients for basic services.
“If you visit a registered facility and you are asked to pay for primary care services, report the matter immediately. Action will be taken without delay,” Duale said. He further warned that the Ministry would take strict measures against facilities or officials trying to misuse the government’s health insurance scheme.
The CS also advised Kenyans that any attempt to extort money for such services can be reported directly by dialling USSD code *147#.
Growing Crackdown on Non-Compliant Hospitals
President Ruto’s new directive comes at a time when the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring hospitals across the country for compliance with SHA rules. The government has already begun a tough crackdown on facilities that fail to follow the regulations.
Just this week, on Tuesday, August 26, the Ministry announced the closure of 45 hospitals for non-compliance, bringing the total number of suspended facilities to 773 hospitals so far.
The government has made it clear that it will not tolerate misuse of the Universal Health Coverage programme, insisting that healthcare must remain affordable and accessible to every Kenyan regardless of their financial situation.
Join Government Official WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
