President William Ruto has announced that his administration has set aside Ksh21 billion in the current budget to fully cover outpatient services, from dispensaries and health centres up to Level 4 hospitals.

This funding includes Ksh13 billion specifically earmarked for primary healthcare, and Ksh 8 billion for emergency services.   

Speaking during the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay on Wednesday August 14, 2025, Ruto explained that no Kenyan should be charged when seeking outpatient care in government facilities.

“Every Kenyan going to a dispensary, health centre or Level 4 hospital for outpatient services will receive services without paying anything because the government has already taken care of it,” he said.

He added, “Those few who are still charging Kenyans in these government-paid facilities will have themselves to blame, because we will go after them.”

At the same time, the President issued a warning to public hospitals that are still demanding payment for free services to stop immediately.

He emphasized the administration’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and eliminating out of pocket costs at the point of care.