Speaking recently, the President explained that the new model was designed to ensure accountability and to protect Kenyans from unnecessary charges when seeking healthcare.
According to Ruto, funds have already been released to cover medical costs for registered Kenyans at public health facilities.
These include hospitals from level one to level four. He emphasized that no patient should be asked to pay for services covered by the government.
“When you are registered with the authority, you can walk into any designated hospital and access treatment without being asked for money,” Ruto stated.
“We have already allocated and disbursed the funds directly to hospitals. That is why we have instructed them not to demand payment from anyone.”
The President acknowledged, however, that some hospitals continue to charge patients small amounts ranging between Ksh100 and Ksh200.
He warned health facilities against exploiting citizens and urged Kenyans to report such cases immediately to the government through the toll-free call centre 147.
“We have already shut down some facilities that were overcharging patients and giving false information,” Ruto said.
“I want Kenyans to know that we will not tolerate such practices. Before paying any hospital, make sure you report to us if they are asking for money illegally.”
Ruto’s remarks came amid growing concern among governors, who had been questioning why counties were not receiving SHA allocations.
The clarification now shows that the funds bypass county accounts entirely, with hospitals being the direct recipients.
This is part of the government’s push to minimize misuse of resources and to ensure that healthcare financing benefits citizens directly.
The Head of State insisted that the reforms under the Social Health Authority are meant to strengthen universal healthcare in Kenya.
He assured citizens that the programme would be fully funded and monitored to prevent corruption and wastage.
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