Health facilities, particularly Level 4 hospitals which charge Kenyans for outpatient services, will face repercussions from the government, President William Ruto has warned.
Speaking at State House in Nairobi on Monday August 4, Ruto warned rogue dispensaries and Level 4 health facilities that were still charging Kenyans for outpatient services.
During the meeting, Ruto said that the government is going to take swift action against such rogue hospitals.
“I am sending a warning to facilities in our counties that still charge citizens in our dispensaries, health centres, and level four facilities for outpatient services. Those few who are still charging Kenyans in these government-paid facilities will have themselves to blame, because we will go after them,” the president said.
Reiterating his government's commitment to the healthcare agenda under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan, Ruto emphasised that government dispensaries, health centres and level four hospitals should not charge Kenyans for outpatient services, as these have already been paid for by the government.
He added, "The MPs know. They've passed Ksh13 billion to treat Kenyans through Primary Health Care. We've set aside Ksh8 billion for emergencies."
"As I speak here today, I want to speak to he entire nation. We have set aside Ksh21 billion for healthcare in the country. That is the commitment I made and I am sticking to it."
The President further urged Kenyans to report facilities which still imposed fees whenever patients sought outpatient services.
Ruto's warning came amid concerns from sections of Kenyans about being subjected to steep out-of-pocket costs for outpatient services, which are crucial in managing chronic conditions.
This is despite some of the patients being fully-paid members of the Social Health Authority, which has been in effect for over 10 months.
As at August 2025, the government estimates that 25 million Kenyans are enrolled on the health insurance programme, while more than 10,000 private, public, and faith-based facilities have been contracted under the scheme.
To streamline operations and eliminate fraudulent activities, the government, through Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, also announced the end of One-Time Password (OTP)-based authorisations for approvals to access services under SHA.
Instead, approvals will either be completed using the biometric health ID or the Practice 360 app, with biometric registration being availed at all Level 4,5, and 6 facilities across the country.
