Health CS Aden Duale: Outpatient care must be free as directed by Ruto
By Kiprono Keileb, August 27, 2025Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a firm warning to health facilities still charging Kenyans for outpatient services, insisting that such practices not only defy the Constitution but also directly contravene President William Ruto’s directive on Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In a statement on his X account posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Duale reminded health institutions that Kenyans are entitled to free outpatient services as a constitutional right and as part of the government’s ongoing healthcare reforms.
“The Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to quality, affordable healthcare,” he stated, underlining the urgency of aligning with the new order.
President Ruto has already directed that all outpatient services in every health facility must be provided free of charge, a move seen as a cornerstone of his UHC agenda. Duale reinforced this position, saying:
“In line with the President’s directive and our commitment to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Agenda, all outpatient services in every health facility must now be provided free of charge,” he added
The tough-talking Cabinet Secretary cautioned that hospitals and clinics ignoring the directive will face legal consequences.
“Any facility that continues to charge Kenyans for outpatient services is in violation of this directive and the Constitution and will face firm legal consequences,” he said.
Duale’s warning comes at a time when Kenyans have expressed frustration over being turned away or billed for services that are supposed to be free. By reiterating the President’s stance, Duale signalled the government’s intention to not only make healthcare accessible but also enforce accountability within the sector.
Health care reforms
Healthcare reforms under the UHC banner have been at the heart of Ruto’s administration, with recent steps including the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and digitisation of health records to curb fraud. Today’s statement by Duale builds on these reforms, sending a message that government directives will not remain on paper but will be actively monitored and enforced.
For millions of Kenyans who have long grappled with the burden of hospital costs, the reaffirmation offers a ray of hope, but for health facilities, it is a reminder that the state is watching closely. Duale’s warning leaves little room for doubt: the government is ready to wield the law to ensure that free outpatient care is not just a promise but a lived reality.