Ruto: Just like you, Ksh40K is deducted from my salary monthly for SHA
By David Nthua, September 19, 2025President William Ruto, on Friday, September 19, 2025, revealed that Ksh40,000 is being deducted from his salary every month to pay for SHA.
The Head of State, speaking during the launch of the SHA Sponsorship Program at State House in Nairobi, explained that his decision, alongside contributions from other top leaders, is the reason why grassroots Kenyans are now enjoying free healthcare.
Ruto confirms salary cut
“Leo tunasema ya kwamba, wale wako na uwezo watalipa kulingana na uwezo wao.
Mimi nalipa Ksh40,000 kila mwezi, hawa viongozi (MPs) wanalipa Ksh26,000 kila mwezi, kwenda mpaka ule wa chini zaidi Ksh300.
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“Lakini tunasema kuna wale hawana uwezo wa kulipa ata hiyo Ksh300.”
Ruto added that the program ensures every Kenyan, regardless of income, has access to quality healthcare services.
“Leo tunasema ya kwamba serikali ya Kenya itawalipia Wakenya. Siku ya leo Wakenya 2.2M Kenyans, we are going to pay for them.
“Leo ukitoka hapa, uko na bima ya afya unaeza kwenda hospitali yoyote Kenya, “Ruto added.
The SHA sponsorship initiative targets the most vulnerable, providing insurance coverage for a wide range of medical procedures, including kidney transplants, cancer treatment, and accident-related surgeries.
Free healthcare for all Kenyans
According to Ruto, even informal sector workers, such as boda boda riders, can now access treatment in top hospitals across Kenya without worrying about costs.
He stressed that this model ensures equitable contributions based on ability to pay, while guaranteeing that the less fortunate are fully covered.
The President also highlighted that this new system eliminates bureaucratic hurdles that previously delayed access to care, noting that beneficiaries can now be treated in level 3 hospitals and above, receive prescribed medication, and leave without paying a shilling.
For the 2.2 million Kenyans now benefiting from the SHA program, the message is clear: your health is prioritized, and financial constraints will no longer block your access to care.
The launch of the SHA sponsorship program is expected to further expand coverage, ensuring that Kenyans in both urban and rural areas have access to quality, timely healthcare.
But still, just like other promises he made in the past, and making phone calls free being a prime example, it still remains to be seen how low-income earners will be able to get treated at high-end facilities.