Ruto insists SHA is footing all hospital bills
President William Ruto has rubbished claims that some Kenyans were forced to go deeper into their pockets as far as hospital bills for Social Health Authority (SHA) subscribers are concerned.
Speaking during a public rally in Makueni on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, President Ruto said that gone are the days when Kenyans were forced to fundraise or sell personal belongings to clear medical bills.
You might also like
Also watch: SHA is not working, Kenyans are still holding harambees to fund medical care – Sen. Sifuna
“Mimi nilisimama hapa Emali. Na mimi niliwaambia, hatutaki mwananchi auze ng’ombe yake au mali yake ati aende alipe bill ya hospitali.
“Tunataka kuwa na bima na mvumo wa afya ambayo itahakikisha kila mwananchi wa Kenya awe na pesa asiwe na pesa, awe na pesa asiwe na pesa, kila mwananchi aweze kwenda hospitali atibiwe, na aende nyumbani bila kuitishwa yoyote,” President Ruto said.
The President added that the new Social Health Authority is fully operational and that all verified members can now access treatment in both public and private hospitals without paying cash.
He insisted that his administration has already put in place proper systems to ensure that health services are accessible to all Kenyans, regardless of their financial status.
Also watch: Ruto: Critics of SHA are those who have been stealing from us
President Ruto’s message comes just a day after Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina thanked him for stepping in to help the family of renowned Kikuyu Benga musician Kamande Wa Kioi.
Betty Maina praises Ruto’s support
In a post on her Facebook page, Betty wrote, “Mama Kioi, wife to Kamande Wa Kioi, was unwell but has recovered at Nairobi West, a private hospital.
“SHA and the family were able to pay over Ksh1.5M, leaving a balance of Ksh2M. Special thanks to H.E. the President, Dr William Ruto.”
Also watch: Ruto kicks off Ukambani development tour in Makueni county
“I reached out to him yesterday on behalf of the family, and today he gave me Ksh2M, which I have given to the family. Be blessed, H.E. Good health be your portion, Mama Kioi.”
Betty’s post quickly went viral, drawing reactions from Kenyans who praised both the government’s health coverage plan and the President’s personal gesture of goodwill.
The President reaffirmed that his government will continue to strengthen SHA to ensure no Kenyan is left behind when it comes to healthcare.
He urged citizens to register and take advantage of the new medical coverage, saying the dream of universal health care is finally becoming a reality.
