Aasai

President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to government health facilities that are still charging Kenyans for outpatient services, stressing that such actions are contrary to the governments commitment to providing unpaid health care.

The order comes amid concerns that some of the healthy health facilities continue to demand payments for outpatient services, despite the governments motivation to access primary health care.

Speaking at the state  House  Nairobi on Monday, August 4, 2025, during a meeting with officials from Tharaka-Nithi County, Ruto said the government would take immediate action against those rogue  hospitals in the country not following or doing the right thing.

"I send warnings to centers in our counties that still charge citizens in our dispensaries, health centers, and fourth -level centers for outpatient services.

"I want to send a warning," President Ruto said on Monday. "The promise I have made to the Kenyan people, I will fulfill it."

He recited the agenda of his health care administration under the universal health care program (UHC). He emphasized that the treatment of outpatients in government dispensaries, health centers, and four -level hospitals should be fully funded and should be reached at no cost by every Kenyan.

"Governors, listen. MPs have passed Ksh13 billion to treat Kenyans in primary health care. We have another KSh 8 billion allocated for emergency services," the president said, suggesting that important resources have already been provided for the proper implementation of the program.

Ruto called on Kenyans to report any facility that still charges a fee for outpatient services, saying that the government will take action.
"I want to talk to Kenyans. We have allocated the KSh21 billion budget for their treatment. Every Kenyan should go to a health center, dispensary, or four -level hospital, and you will be treated for all outpatient services and given medication without paying because the government will pay you," the head of state emphasized.

The presidents warning is seen as an effort to implement the UHC and ensure accountability among county health managers and facilities."This is not a request. It is a policy. We will manage and take action against any public institution that violates this directive," Ruto stressed.

He said the Ministry of Health would provide monitoring guidelines to strengthen the focus and ensure that no Kenyan was deprived of health care due to the inability to pay. Saying every citizen is entitled to get health services in the country