President William Ruto has directed all Kenyans to refuse payment requests at dispensaries and healthcare centers, reaffirming that primary healthcare services are free under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative.
The directive, communicated by Dennis Itumbi, head of Presidential Special Projects & Creative Economy, emphasizes that no Kenyan should be charged for primary healthcare services.
“President William Samoei Ruto asks Kenyans to reject attempts to charge them for services at dispensaries and health centers. Primary health care is FREE,” Itumbi stated.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) package covers free consultations, diagnostics, medications, basic radiology, lab tests, immunizations, maternal and child care, mental health support, and minor outpatient procedures.
Health CS Aden Duale previously reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare, ensuring timely compensation for frontline workers, and protecting public resources under SHA. He warned that registered facilities charging patients will face strict action. “If you go to a registered facility and are asked to pay for primary care services, report immediately. We will act,” Duale stated, adding that reports can be submitted via *147#.
The government has intensified oversight of healthcare facilities. On Tuesday, August 26, the Ministry shut down 45 hospitals for non-compliance, bringing the total number of suspended facilities to 773
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