President William Ruto has declared that all outpatient services for citizens registered under the Sustainable Health Agenda (SHA) will now be provided free of charge across Kenya. This applies to patients visiting county, private, or mission hospitals nationwide.
In a recent address, President Ruto emphasized that individuals who are registered under SHA will not incur any costs when seeking outpatient care, as the government will directly cover all medical bills.
“If you visit any county, private, or mission hospital for outpatient services and you’re registered under SHA, you will receive treatment free of charge because the government will cover your bill,” he said.
This initiative aims to expand access to healthcare, reduce out-of-pocket expenses for citizens, and strengthen Kenya’s commitment to universal health coverage. It is expected to ease the financial burden on patients, particularly those requiring routine consultations, diagnostics, and minor treatments.
Health experts have welcomed the move, noting that free outpatient services could increase hospital visits, promote preventive care, and improve early diagnosis of illnesses, ultimately reducing the severity of diseases and the cost of long-term treatment.
Implementation will require hospitals to ensure efficient billing systems to coordinate with the government and verify SHA registration for eligible patients. Officials are also expected to educate the public on how to register for SHA to benefit from the scheme.
The move reflects the government’s commitment to healthcare equity and is part of broader efforts to improve service delivery and access to medical care across all counties.
