President William Ruto has reiterated that no Kenyan should be charged for medical services at public hospitals from Level 1 to Level 4 under the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the government has fully covered the cost through the universal health insurance scheme.

Speaking during the 35th Diocesan Anniversary at St. Mark’s College in Kigari, Embu County, on Sunday, July 6, 2025, the president emphasised that health facilities must respect the SHA guidelines and stop demanding money from registered patients.

“I want every Kenyan to understand clearly, if you are registered on SHA and you go to a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 hospital, no one should ask you for any money,” Ruto stated. “We have already disbursed government funds to cover these costs.

When a citizen walks into a hospital, they must be treated without paying anything. We, as government, will pay the bill.”

He noted that the SHA system operates based on ability to pay, with those who are unable to afford premiums being covered fully by the state.

“Under SHA, people will contribute according to their financial ability. But for the vulnerable who cannot afford to pay, the government will fully cover them,” he said.

Illegal fees

The President raised concerns about rogue hospitals charging illegal fees despite receiving government payments.

“There are still some hospitals acting arrogantly. They tell patients to pay Ksh100 or Ksh200 before receiving treatment. That is unacceptable. Before you pay anything, report the hospital to government channels,” he urged.

Ruto also revealed that the government had already shut down over 1,000 private facilities that were found to be defrauding the system.

“We’ve closed a thousand private hospitals for double-dipping, billing the government and also charging the patients. We won’t tolerate this kind of fraud,” he said.

The Head of State urged Kenyans to register for SHA, adding that the success of universal health coverage depends on collective compliance and vigilance.

“No Kenyan should sell property to access healthcare,” Ruto concluded, affirming his administration’s commitment to making healthcare affordable and accessible to all.