Ruto explains new policy for outpatient services in all Level 1 to 4 hospitals
President William Ruto has provided a comprehensive explanation of the government’s directive to offer free outpatient treatment and medication at all public hospitals categorised from Level 1 to Level 4.
This policy, he said, aims to ensure that all Kenyans can access essential healthcare services without financial impediments.
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Speaking during the burial of Phoebe Asiyo in Homa Bay on Friday, August 8, 2025, the president reiterated the commitment that any Kenyan who visits a hospital at these designated levels for outpatient services shall be treated and dispensed the necessary medication without being subjected to any fees or charges.
“As I stated yesterday, and I wish to reiterate once more, a mwananchi who attends a Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 hospital outpatient department should be treated promptly, provided with prescribed medicines, and must not be asked to make any payment whatsoever,” Ruto declared.
He further elaborated that the government has allocated dedicated funds to support this initiative, underscoring the priority placed on making healthcare accessible and affordable for all citizens.
“In recognition of the importance of universal healthcare, we have ensured that sufficient financial resources are available to guarantee that treatment services are consistently offered across hospitals nationwide,” he added.
SHA progress
Highlighting the progress made under the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme, the President cited Homa Bay County as an example of substantial uptake.
According to Ruto, Homa Bay ranks thirteenth among Kenya’s 47 counties in enrolment figures, with approximately 533,000 residents now registered under the SHA scheme.
This registration, he touted, is pivotal for broadening the healthcare safety net and ensuring wider coverage.
“I want to thank the people of Homa Bay because, under our programme to ensure that every citizen gets treatment, the people of Homa Bay are ranked thirteenth in Kenya in registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA). I also congratulate Governor Wanga and the government of Homa Bay. Continue like this because we want every citizen to register so that healthcare is not a luxury for the rich or those with means but a right for every Kenyan. Currently, 533,000 people in Homa Bay are registered in the SHA programme.”
Ruto then called upon county governments and communities nationwide to intensify efforts in registering their populations for the SHA initiative.
He emphasised that healthcare should not be viewed as a privilege reserved for the affluent or well-connected but must be recognised as an inalienable right for every Kenyan, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
“This initiative is not intended to serve only the elite or those with means. It is a fundamental entitlement for every Kenyan, and our goal is to guarantee equitable access to medical care across all regions,” Ruto asserted.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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