President William Ruto has reaffirmed that Kenyans should not be charged for medical services at public hospitals from Level 1 to Level 4, as the government has already covered these costs through the Social Health Authority (SHA) under the universal health insurance scheme.

Speaking on Sunday, July 6, 2025, during the 35th Diocesan Anniversary at St. Mark’s College in Kigari, Embu County, Ruto stressed that public health facilities must follow SHA regulations and stop demanding payments 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.”

President Ruto explained that the Social Health Authority (SHA) system is designed to operate based on one’s ability to pay, ensuring that even the most vulnerable Kenyans receive full medical coverage through government support.

“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.

He also raised concern about some health facilities defying the system by charging patients illegal fees, despite already receiving payments from the government.

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

Ruto revealed that the government has already shut down more than 1,000 private health facilities found guilty of defrauding the Social Health Authority (SHA) system.

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

He encouraged Kenyans to register for SHA, emphasizing that the success of universal health coverage depends on everyone’s participation and vigilance.

“No Kenyan should sell property to access healthcare,” Ruto said.