President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to public health facilities charging Kenyans for outpatient services that are supposed to be free under the government’s Taifa Care programme.
Speaking during a women’s empowerment event in Homa Bay, the President declared that any hospital found extorting money from citizens would face immediate consequences.
“Hospitali yoyote itakayojaribu kuiba pesa za wananchi watakutana na mimi. Waambie mimi sitaki mchezo,” Ruto asserted, reiterating that public funds allocated for healthcare must benefit ordinary citizens—not enrich corrupt individuals.
The President highlighted that outpatient services at dispensaries, health centres, and sub-county hospitals are now fully covered for Kenyans enrolled in the Social Health Authority (SHA). Under Taifa Care, patients are entitled to free consultations, treatment, and medication without any charges.
“Wewe mwananchi, kazi yako ni kujiandikisha tu kwa SHA… utatibiwa, upewe dawa, na usilipe pesa yeyote,” the President affirmed.
However, he expressed concern that some health workers and institutions continue to unlawfully demand money.
“Mimi ninajua kuwa hospitali… bado wanalipisha wananchi. Ukiulizwa pesa na hospitali ya outpatient, piga ripoti kwa polisi. Hao ni watu matapeli wanataka kuwanyang’anya pesa,” he added, encouraging citizens to take an active role in reporting corrupt practices.
President Ruto reiterated his government’s commitment to delivering universal health coverage through Taifa Care, positioning it as a cornerstone of his administration’s social protection agenda.
“Tuko na mpango maalum wa matibabu kwa wote wa Taifa Care… mjiandikishe kwa SHA ili mtibiwe bila kuulizwa pesa yeyote,” he told the women at Homa Bay State Lodge.
The Head of State linked the successful rollout of healthcare reforms to the strengthening of Kenya’s economy over the past three years. He cited key indicators showing inflation has dropped from 9.6% to 4%, the shilling has stabilized against the dollar, and export-related challenges have eased.
“Kwa miaka mitatu, tumekuwa tukishughulika na kuweka bidi ili kuahakikisha kwamba tunaweka uchumi wa Kenya mahali ambapo unaweza kuwashughulikia Wakenya wote,” he said.
“Uchumi wa Kenya uko imara… IMF inasema Uchumi wa Kenya ni namba sita kwa bara la Afrika,” Ruto noted, affirming that a stronger economy will continue to support social programmes like Taifa Care.
