Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai on Wednesday revealed that about four million Kenyans risk losing access to critical healthcare services because of the new budget cuts.
While appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, the PS disclosed that the State Department of Medical Services needed Ksh6 billion to facilitate health insurance for this group of Kenyans.
The PS explained that the Primary Health Care Fund was fully government-supported. However, the fund had limited access to services at dispensaries and health centres, and more advanced medical treatments were available only upon referral from these facilities.
"Access to services at this level requires full payment. Failure to fund the indigents' insurance goes against the spirit of universal healthcare coverage, where equity is the main component," he explained.
According to the PS, the newly introduced budget cuts would affect a large group of Kenyans especially those in low-income homes who will not have access to healthcare.
Per the PS, in the previous financial year, Ksh6 billion was allocated to impoverished healthcare but in the 2024/25 financial year, no funds were allocated.
"This contradicts the government's agenda to make healthcare accessible to all, regardless of social or economic background," the Principal Secretary remarked.
However, his request was rejected. Endebess MP Robert Pukose who also serves as the committee chairperson asked the State Department to accept the budget cuts, explaining that they resulted from the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, which was expected to raise Ksh344 billion.
Pukose emphasised that the government had rationalised the budget resulting in a deficit of Ksh121 billion which would force the government to borrow over Ksh220 billion.
The MP urged public and state officials to adhere to the new austerity measures and be deliberate when offering services to the public.
"The budget cuts affect everyone not just the president and MPs. It impacts your ability to deliver services to the people of Kenya," the politician reiterated.
He also called out officials who were idling by and following up on state matters introduced by the president. Pukose noted that it was key to rationalising the budget.
