Ruto Unveils Kenya’s $419 Million Healthcare Expansion Plan at UNGA Summit
President William Ruto has highlighted Kenya’s progress in transforming healthcare through Taifa Care, while outlining plans to expand specialised medical services and strengthen Africa’s health security.
Speaking at the European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East (ECAM Council) Summit on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Ruto said more than 32 million people have registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
According to the President, SHA has channelled approximately $1.4 billion to health facilities across all 47 counties, supporting more than 500,000 surgeries and treatment for over 50,000 cancer patients. These figures were also reported by Kenya’s media in coverage of his ECAM Council remarks.
Ruto further highlighted the contribution of 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) serving more than nine million households as part of the government’s push to strengthen primary healthcare.
15 New Hospitals Planned
The President outlined plans for 15 new hospitals, backed by an estimated $419 million investment, as Kenya seeks to expand specialised healthcare capacity and position itself as a regional hub for medical education, research, innovation and specialised treatment.
The proposed programme involves 13 Level 5 county referral hospitals and two Level 6 national teaching and referral hospitals, under a planned partnership involving Kenya, Italy and GKSD Group.
Ruto also called for greater African ownership of health security, urging countries to invest in local training of specialists, pharmaceutical manufacturing and stronger medical supply chains.
“Health security cannot be outsourced,” Ruto said, stressing the need for Africa to develop its own healthcare capabilities.
The President linked healthcare investment to broader economic development, arguing that stronger health systems are essential for building a productive workforce and attracting long-term investment.
The ECAM Council session was chaired by ECAM Council Chairman Kamel Ghribi and attended by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani.
The proposed $419 million hospital programme is currently at the partnership/development stage, meaning financing arrangements, project design, procurement and construction will determine how the plan progresses into operational facilities.
