Ruto: Digital Health, Expanded SHA Benefits and Accountability to Drive Kenya’s Health Transformation
By News Brief
President William Ruto has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transforming Kenya’s healthcare system through digital innovation, expanded health coverage and stronger accountability in the management of public resources.
Speaking during a town hall meeting held on the sidelines of the Kenya Health Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, President Ruto said the country’s health transformation is being supported by a robust digital framework comprising 43 integrated systems under the Digital Health Authority.
“The transformation in our health sector has been underpinned by a robust digital framework comprising 43 integrated systems that enable the seamless delivery and management of services from end to end through the Digital Health Authority,” President Ruto said.
The President assured Kenyans that payments made by the Social Health Authority (SHA) are governed by the law, regulations and established accountability mechanisms.
He said the Government’s priority is to ensure that every shilling invested in healthcare generates tangible value for Kenyans while strengthening transparency and efficiency in the sector.
Government commits to doctors’ CBA talks
President Ruto also assured medical practitioners that the Government will engage the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board in constructive dialogue towards concluding a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
He said the objective is to resolve outstanding issues and avert unnecessary industrial action that could disrupt healthcare services.
SHA benefits package to expand
The Government is also reviewing the SHA benefits package with the aim of expanding coverage to more ailments and medical conditions.
President Ruto further announced that the Government is finalising plans to include free diapers for new mothers as part of the SHA benefits package, in line with a commitment made in the Government’s manifesto.
The President said the measures are part of broader efforts to make healthcare more accessible, affordable and responsive to the needs of Kenyan families.
The town hall brought together stakeholders from across the health sector to engage directly with the Government, assess progress made under ongoing reforms and chart the way forward for Kenya’s healthcare transformation.
