‘Do Not Charge Patients, SHA Will!’ – Ruto Tells Hospitals
President William Ruto has directed state health facilities not to charge Kenyans registered with SHA for medical services provided.
The President stated that any charges that exceed what is paid by the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) should be claimed by the Social Health Authority (SHA) rather than the patient.
“There are facilities in our counties that charge Kenyans for treatment or medicine when actually that service and the medicine is already paid for by the government of Kenya,” Ruto said.
“It is not acceptable! Instead of charging citizens, hospitals should use the claim service to claim for any arrears.”
He was addressing the State House in Nairobi when he officially launched the National Equipment Service Project.
The project is a seven-year strategic plan to improve and modernize medical equipment at both national and county health facilities.
It replaces the Medical Equipment Scheme (MES), which is being phased out.
We are upgrading and modernising equipment at our health facilities to ensure they are equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies accessible to everyone.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) August 7, 2025
Through this innovative and transformative programme, we are shifting from a fragmented and costly… pic.twitter.com/A4Zu3OiOvQ
Ruto praised the National Equipment Service Project as a game changer in public health care delivery compared to the MES.
The MES needed a considerable upfront investment and lacked explicit service level agreements, resulting in frequent outages and impaired care.
“The lessons learned have informed the design of the new programme to be more efficient, accountable, and sustainable,” Ruto said.
He stated that the new system follows the Fee-for-Service paradigm, and neither the national nor county governments will be required to spend on equipment purchase.
“Our private sector partners will bear the cost of installation, servicing, and maintenance, placing no financial burden on public health facilities.”
Ruto stated that since June 2025, over 60,000 medical services have been delivered in 29 health facilities throughout 18 counties as part of this project.
“Today, we are releasing 14 CT scanners, 2 ultrasound machines, 30 dialysis machines, and digital X-ray systems,” Ruto announced.
Boda Boda operators are legitimate entrepreneurs whose businesses must be supported. We will work with all stakeholders to enact a law that embraces self-regulation that will help spur the sector’s growth.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) August 7, 2025
Met Boda Boda officials from all sub-counties, State House Nairobi. Gave… pic.twitter.com/xPzk2tq3Wi
“In the next two months, we expect to deploy an additional 58 digital X-rays, 65 ultrasound machines, 19 CT scanners, 100 theatre equipment, and 100 laboratory systems, all under this new, innovative model.”
The President said that SHA has registered 25.2 million Kenyans and contracted with over 11,000 healthcare providers across the country, including hospitals, clinics, and health centers.
He stated that from October 2024, SHA has paid Sh56.4 billion, which includes Sh49.7 billion from the Social Health Insurance Fund and Sh6.7 billion from the Primary Healthcare Fund.
“Every Kenyan registered in SHA should go to any hospital and be treated and given medicine and they should go home without paying anybody anything,” Ruto emphasised.
He stated that the government will completely support individuals who are unable to pay because health care should never be a privilege but rather a right for all citizens.
“It is our responsibility to make sure that the people are not left behind,” Ruto said.
The President reminded individuals who want to manipulate SHA by evading protocols with bogus claims that their days are numbered.
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He said that the new digital infrastructure is secure and clever enough to detect and prevent fraud.
“If you are trying to game the system, beware: You are already on our radar. The system is flagging such attempts, and investigations are ongoing,” Ruto added.
“In due course, the outcomes will be made clear to all, and the fraudsters shall face the consequences of their criminal actions.”
Ruto urged counties and health-care providers to install the equipment, stating that only through unity, commitment, and vigilance would the full promise of the National Equipment Service Project be realized.
‘Do Not Charge Patients, SHA Will!’ – Ruto Tells Hospitals
