William Ruto has assured Kenyans that outpatient services are now free for every citizen registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), in what he described as a major step toward achieving universal health coverage in the country.
Speaking during a public address, the Head of State emphasized that all Kenyans who have successfully registered with SHA should not be charged for outpatient services at any health facility. He made it clear that the directive applies across the board — in public hospitals, private facilities, and faith-based institutions.
Ruto warned that any hospital demanding payment from patients who are properly registered with SHA is acting illegally. He termed such facilities as fraudulent and urged citizens not to comply with unlawful charges. Instead, he advised affected patients to report such incidents to the relevant authorities and even involve the police where necessary.
The President said the government has already put in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure health facilities are reimbursed for services offered to SHA-registered patients. According to him, no Kenyan should be denied medical attention or forced to pay out-of-pocket for outpatient care if they are duly registered under the scheme.
The directive is part of ongoing health sector reforms aimed at replacing the defunct NHIF system with a more efficient and transparent framework under SHA. The government maintains that the new model is designed to eliminate corruption, expand access to quality healthcare, and reduce the financial burden on ordinary citizens.
Ruto called on Kenyans to register with SHA in large numbers to fully benefit from the program, insisting that affordable and accessible healthcare remains one of his administration’s top priorities.
