Ruto warns govt facilities charging Kenyans for outpatient services
By Aloys Michael, August 4, 2025President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to government health facilities still charging Kenyans for outpatient services, insisting that such practices go against the government’s commitment to provide free primary healthcare.
The directive comes amid concerns that some devolved health facilities continue to demand payment for outpatient care, despite the government’s push for free primary healthcare.
Speaking in the State House on Monday, August 4, 2025, during a meeting with leaders from Tharaka-Nithi County, Ruto said 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,” he said.
“I want to send a warning,” President Ruto said on Monday. “The commitment I made to the people of Kenya, I am going to keep.”
He reiterated his administration’s healthcare agenda under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan. He emphasised that outpatient treatment at government dispensaries, health centres, and level four hospitals is fully funded and should be accessed at no cost by every Kenyan.
“Governors, listen. The Members of Parliament have passed Ksh13 billion to treat Kenyans in primary health care. We have another Ksh 8 billion allocated for emergency services,” the president said, signalling that the necessary resources have already been provided for smooth implementation of the plan.
Ruto’s plea to Kenyans
Ruto urged Kenyans to report any facility that still imposes fees for outpatient services, stating that the government will take action.
“I want to speak to Kenyans. We have allocated in the budget Ksh21 billion for their treatment. Every Kenyan should go to a health centre, dispensary, or level four hospital, and you will be treated for all outpatient services and given medicine without paying because the government will pay for you,” the Head of State asserted.
The president’s warning is seen as an effort to enforce the rollout of UHC and ensure accountability among county health managers and facility administrators.
“This is not a request. It is policy. We are going to monitor and take action against any public facility that defies this directive,” Ruto emphasised.
He said the Ministry of Health will issue follow-up guidelines to reinforce compliance and ensure that no Kenyan is denied healthcare due to inability to pay.