Kenya’s Healthcare System Undergoing Major Transformation, Ruto Tells Parliament
The government says Kenya’s healthcare system is making significant strides, powered by innovation and inclusive policy reforms.
In his State of the Nation Address delivered in Parliament on Thursday, President William Ruto announced that the number of Kenyans registered under the new Social Health Authority (SHA) has more than tripled compared to the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
He added that over 10,000 health facilities have already joined the system, greatly improving access to healthcare nationwide.
President Ruto termed the current reforms as the most ambitious transformation of Kenya’s healthcare system in decades, revealing that 27 million Kenyans are now registered under the SHA.
UPS
He praised the work of 107,000 Community Health Promoters, who are key in promoting preventive healthcare and responding to the growing threat of non-communicable diseases.
UPS
The Head of State also announced that the government is rolling out the National Equipment Service Project, which will replace the previous leasing model that placed heavy financial pressure on county governments. He noted that the persistent shortage of essential medicines is easing as reforms take effect.
To address the rising cost of cancer treatment, President Ruto said the government is introducing new measures to strengthen financial protection for patients, signalling a major boost for thousands of households battling the disease.
