The Departmental Committee on Health has reviewed a key legislative proposal aimed at overhauling Kenya’s healthcare system.

According to a statement by the Parliament of Kenya on April 7, 2026, the committee, chaired by Dr. James Nyikal (Seme), examined the report on the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 41 of 2025), which is part of broader reforms under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The Bill seeks to address long-standing challenges in the sector, including systemic failures, malpractice, and gaps in regulatory oversight.

Key features recommended

During deliberations, committee members considered submissions from stakeholders and proposed minor amendments to the draft legislation.

“Led by Committee Chairperson Hon. Dr. James Nyikal (Seme), members of the House team reviewed the report on the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 41 of 2025). The Bill is a critical component of broader legislative reforms aimed at strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” part of the statement read.

A key feature of the Bill recommends a Ksh50 million fine or a 10-year jail term for healthcare providers found guilty of negligence or patient mismanagement.

However, the committee argued that the penalty was excessively harsh and suggested reducing the fine to Ksh10 million, noting that many issues may stem from systemic rather than individual failings.

“During the session, after considering the Bill and submissions from stakeholders, the committee proposed minimal amendments. Among the proposals, the Bill recommends a fine of Sh50 million or a 10-year jail term for healthcare providers found guilty of medical negligence and patient mismanagement,” Parliament of Kenya noted.

High penalty

Nyikal argued that the penalty is high, emphasising the need for balanced measures that protect patients while supporting healthcare providers.

“The proposed penalty is too punitive, yet most of the issues may be systemic in nature,” Nyikal said.

The deliberation on the Bill comes at a time when the national government and the opposition continue to engage in heated exchanges over the fate of the Social Health Authority.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed that SHA would collapse within six months.

“We have a big challenge with our hospitals. I have information that SHA will collapse in another six months, and there will be a major crisis of unknown magnitude in the health sector,” Gachagua warned.

However, President William Ruto was quick to dismiss Gachagua’s claims, insisting that SHA is here to stay.