Ruto unveils sweeping health reforms to expand access and empower communities across Kenya

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing universal health coverage (UHC) and strengthening community health systems across Kenya.

Speaking on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Head of State detailed how his government is empowering Community Health Promoters with the tools and resources needed to deliver health services at the grassroots.

Ruto noted that sustainable financing for health remains a challenge, especially with the decline of external donor support. However, he stressed that Kenya has taken ownership by prioritizing local solutions.

“Sustainable financing for health systems remains a challenge, worsened by the withdrawal of external funds. The lesson is clear: ownership matters, and when communities set priorities and monitor resources, resilience grows,” said the President.

He explained that the government has already enacted four new laws on social health insurance, while more than 100,000 community health promoters have been equipped with medicines, digital tools, and stipends to enhance service delivery.

In addition, Ruto highlighted the role of participatory budgeting, which has been strengthened through digital platforms, as well as the reinforcement of primary health care networks across the country.

“Kenya is advancing universal health coverage to guarantee access for all: enacting four new laws on social health insurance, empowering over 100,000 community health promoters with medicines, tools, and stipends, strengthening participatory budgeting through digital platforms, and reinforcing primary health care networks,” he added.

The President further stressed that no citizen should be left behind in accessing health services. He called on the global community to invest not only in medicines and infrastructure but also in strengthening citizens’ voices in shaping their health systems.

“These reforms ensure no one is left behind. We call on the global community to invest not only in medicines and infrastructure but also in the democratic right of citizens to shape their health and future,” Ruto said.