Sickness once drove millions of Kenyans into poverty. A single hospital trip could empty savings. It could trap families in debt. Or it could block care entirely.
The Constitution states clearly that every citizen deserves the highest level of health care.
Article 43 confirms health care is a basic right for all. It is not just for those with luck and money.
For years, each Kenyan government pledged Universal Health Coverage. They made real attempts. The system still failed to offer care that all could reach, pay for, or count on fairly.
President William Ruto took office in 2022. He told his team—and us in the Ministry of Health—that small changes would not deliver on Universal Health Coverage.
His leadership showed Kenya needed a complete rebuild of health care. This would turn the Constitution’s promise into daily life.
The government started deep reforms. These reshaped how Kenya pays for, provides, and runs health care.
On October 19, 2023, the president signed four key laws. They built a strong base for health: the Social Health Insurance Act, Primary Health Care Act, Digital Health Act, and Facility Improvement Financing Act.
The Social Health Insurance Act ended the National Health Insurance Fund. It created the Social Health Authority. This body ensures coverage for all and fairness. It runs three funds: Primary Health Care Fund, Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, and Social Health Insurance Fund.
Kenya now offers free primary health care for the first time. People get it at dispensaries, health centers, and some hospitals.
Ambulance rides and emergency care come free too. No Kenyan faces denial in their time of need.
The Digital Health Act changed everything. It puts health care steps online, from sign-up to bill payment.
Fewer people in the middle cuts graft. It stops waste. Health care runs smoother, clearer, and more honest.
As Cabinet Secretary for Health, I state with certainty that the Social Health Authority delivers Universal Health Coverage. Over 28 million Kenyans now register with it. That beats the old 7 million under NHIF. The jump tops 400 percent. More sign up each day. This proves it works.
More than 6 million people have used key services so far. These numbers mean saved lives. They mean returned dignity. They mean secure families.
Progress came fast. Still, harsh facts hit us. Some Kenyans stayed uncovered. These were the weakest homes, with no steady jobs or goods to sell. No savings either. Illness left them with no help.
The government acted. It started the National Government Sponsorship Programme and Digital Sponsorship Programme under SHA.
These cover full health costs for 2.3 million poor Kenyans. That includes older people, widows, orphans, and others in need.
Like all SHA members, they get free primary care. They reach specialist services. They pick from over 10,000 public, private, and faith-based facilities nationwide.
The government based these changes on six main supports to make Universal Health Coverage real for people.
