The government has taken a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by declaring that all Primary Health Care (PHC) services in public Level 2 to Level 4 health facilities are now completely free across the country.
The announcement emphasized that no Kenyan registered under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) should be asked to pay for any primary healthcare services. This move is aimed at eliminating financial barriers that have long hindered access to essential health services for millions of citizens.
The free services cover a wide range of healthcare needs. These include clinical consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatment for both acute and chronic illnesses. Mental health support has also been incorporated, along with maternal and child health care services. Treatment for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, is part of the package, ensuring that vulnerable groups can access the care they need without facing financial hardship.
In addition to medical consultations and treatments, the free services extend to basic radiological procedures such as X-rays and ultrasounds, as well as prescribed laboratory tests. Patients will also receive medications at no cost, and benefit from services like health education, counselling, immunisations under the Kenya Expanded Programme on Immunisation (KEPI), and minor outpatient procedures conducted under local anaesthesia.
Health workers and county governments have been urged to fully enforce the new policy. Officials emphasized that no patient seeking PHC services in eligible public facilities should be asked to pay, under any circumstance. With SHIF already activated for registered Kenyans, patients are expected to seamlessly access the expanded benefits.
This development marks a key milestone in the ongoing health reforms being spearheaded by the current administration. The free PHC rollout is a flagship element of the broader UHC programme, which was formally launched in October 2023. The initiative seeks to provide timely, dignified, and equitable healthcare to all citizens, regardless of socio-economic status.
The reforms are anchored in the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, which established three distinct health funds: the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the Chronic Illness and Emergency Fund, and the Primary Healthcare Fund. Together, these funds are designed to enhance healthcare financing and reduce out-of-pocket expenses that often push families into poverty.
By removing cost barriers and strengthening public health infrastructure, the government aims to ensure that essential health services are accessible to every Kenyan. The full implementation of free PHC services reflects a bold shift in healthcare delivery and represents a strong commitment to building a healthier and more equitable society.
