Outrage is growing among Kenyans over hidden charges at public hospitals. President William Ruto has now taken a bold stand.
On Monday, August 4, he warned Level 4 hospitals, dispensaries, and health centres still billing patients for outpatient services. The president, speaking from State House Nairobi, declared these fees illegal and vowed swift government action.
This comes despite massive state funding to cover outpatient care under Universal Health Coverage (UHC). With over 25 million citizens enrolled in the new health scheme, Ruto has demanded accountability from healthcare providers across the country.
Ruto Issues Warning on Outpatient Services at Public Health Facilities
During the high-level meeting, President Ruto made it clear that no public facility receiving government support should demand payment for outpatient services. He accused a few rogue hospitals of exploiting Kenyans and pledged that they will face consequences.
“I am sending a warning to facilities in our counties that still charge citizens in our dispensaries, health centres, and level four facilities for outpatient services. Those few who are still charging Kenyans in these government-paid facilities will have themselves to blame, because we will go after them,” the president said firmly.
He highlighted that Parliament has already approved billions to support Kenya’s Primary Health Care system. “The MPs know. They’ve passed Ksh13 billion to treat Kenyans through Primary Health Care. We’ve set aside Ksh8 billion for emergencies,” Ruto said.
He assured the public that his administration is fully committed to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda and that outpatient services should be free at all government-funded facilities.
Government Moves to Enforce Universal Health Coverage
Ruto’s remarks follow rising complaints from citizens being charged despite being registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA). Many patients, especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, rely on outpatient services to manage their health.
The contradiction between public policy and what happens on the ground is alarming. While over 25 million Kenyans are enrolled in SHA, hospitals continue to slap them with fees for services that are supposedly covered.
To tighten controls, the Ministry of Health is also making major changes in how patients access care. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the scrapping of the One-Time Password (OTP) method for authorizing treatment. This method had become prone to abuse and delays.
Instead, the government will adopt a more secure system. Going forward, patients will use biometric health IDs or the Practice 360 app for approvals. Duale stated that all Level 4, 5, and 6 facilities are being equipped for biometric registration.
This shift aims to prevent fraud and make the SHA system more efficient and reliable.
Kenyans Urged to Report Hospitals Violating Outpatient Services Policy
President Ruto did not stop at giving a warning—he called on all Kenyans to be watchdogs. He asked them to report hospitals that continue to charge for outpatient services despite receiving public funds.
“This is public money. It belongs to the people. No Kenyan should be forced to pay for outpatient services in a facility already supported by taxpayers,” the president insisted.
Ruto’s strong stance reflects a growing push by his administration to clean up the public health sector. However, the challenge lies in enforcement. Past warnings have often gone ignored, with little follow-through.
Still, this time may be different. The government’s hefty investment—Ksh21 billion in total, according to Ruto—shows that the infrastructure is in place. What remains is firm implementation and monitoring.
Hospitals that ignore the directive may now face not just penalties but also public exposure.
Conclusion
President Ruto’s message is clear—no Kenyan should pay for outpatient services at government facilities. With billions allocated and over 25 million citizens enrolled in SHA, there is no excuse for illegal charges.
The shift to biometric and app-based approvals is a key step in tightening the system. Now, it is up to the Health Ministry and citizens alike to ensure that public hospitals obey the law and that every Kenyan receives the healthcare they were promised.
