Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has issued a stern warning to the management of level 2, level 3, and sub-county hospitals against charging patients seeking outpatient medical services.
Speaking in Kirinyaga Central on Sunday, Muthoni emphasized that President William Ruto has directed all such facilities to offer outpatient care free of charge, with the national government covering the costs under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme. She stressed that no Kenyan registered under the Social Health Insurance (SHA) scheme should be asked to pay “even a coin” for outpatient consultations and treatment at these levels.
“The ministry will be vigilant to ensure that Kenyans enjoy services in these hospitals without paying. Health professionals who defy this directive risk having their licenses cancelled,” Muthoni warned.
She explained that payment will only be required when a patient is referred to a higher-level facility Level 4 or Level 5 hospitals — where specialized treatment is provided. The PS urged Kenyans to continue registering with the SHA to ensure they benefit from the government’s ongoing health sector reforms aimed at improving access to quality care.
President Ruto reinforced this position on Sunday during a separate event, ordering all level 1 to 3 hospitals, including sub-county facilities, to treat outpatients at no cost. He said the national government would settle the bills through UHC funds.
The President also publicly cautioned Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi over reports that some hospitals in the county were still charging outpatients despite receiving UHC payments from the national government. “The government has already paid. There is no reason to charge patients again,” Ruto said.
The move is part of the administration’s broader effort to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Kenyans. By eliminating outpatient charges at primary and community health facilities, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on households and encourage early treatment, which can prevent more serious health complications.
Muthoni reiterated that the Ministry of Health will monitor compliance closely, ensuring that no Kenyan is denied the free outpatient services promised under the new directive.
