‘No Kenyan wi*l sell their property to pay for hospital bi*ls’ – Ruto on new health laws

President William Ruto has expressed his confidence in the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) offering affordable healthcare to all Kenyans.

Speaking at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) church function held at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, February 25, President Ruto assured that no Kenyan will be denied medical services under the new health policy.

According to the president, cases of needy Kenyans selling their property to clear hospital bills will be a thing of the past once the new health laws come into effect.

"We want to make sure that no Kenyan will ever sell their property to pay for hospital bills. We want hospital bills to be paid for through arrangements made by the Kenyan government," President Ruto told the congregation.

The Head of State urged Kenyans to participate in public participation forums to help the government implement the proposed laws.

“Contribute through public participation so that we can know how we will move Kenya forward together,” he added.

Members of the public are expected to make their contributions to proposed Social Health Insurance regulations that are aimed at operationalising the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.

The President's remarks come a month after the Court of Appeal lifted orders that had halted the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, Primary Health Care Act, 2023, and the Digital Health Act, 2023.

Orders suspending the Acts were issued following a case filed by activist Joseph Enock, who argued that the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 was unconstitutional.

SHIF replaces the longstanding National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) which has been dogged by corruption and fraud allegations.