President Ruto urges Kenyans to report hospitals charging for outpatient services
Ruto emphasized that registered patients should receive treatment and medicines at dispensaries, health centers, and subcounty hospitals without paying any fees
President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to report hospitals that charge fees for outpatient services, saying such practices amount to stealing from the public.
Speaking at Homa Bay State Lodge on Tuesday 12th Aug 2025, while hosting grassroots women leaders from Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and Kisumu counties, the President encouraged women to register for the Social Health Authority (Taifa Care) programme to access medical services easily.
Ruto emphasized that registered patients should receive treatment and medicines at dispensaries, health centers, and subcounty hospitals without paying any fees.
“We have Taifa Care, and I want to urge women to register. When you go for treatment in a dispensary, health center, or subcounty hospital for outpatient services, you will be treated and given medicine. Do not pay any money,” Ruto said.
He warned that any hospital demanding payment for outpatient care is acting dishonestly, and Kenyans should report such cases to the nearest police station.
“I know there are hospitals still charging the people. If a hospital asks you for money for an outpatient, report to the police because those are conmen who want to steal from you,” the President said.
Ruto noted that the government already pays hospitals to provide these services to citizens, and facilities found guilty of charging illegally will face serious consequences. “Any hospital that will try to steal money from Kenyans will have to face me,” he added.
The President reaffirmed that the Taifa Care programme is designed to provide equitable healthcare access to all Kenyans, ensuring that no one is denied treatment due to inability to pay.
Since its rollout, over 25 million Kenyans have registered for Taifa Care across the country, a move the President says will strengthen healthcare delivery and make medical services more accessible to vulnerable communities.
Ruto urged women and other Kenyans to take an active role in safeguarding their rights and ensuring that all health facilities comply with the free outpatient policy under the government’s scheme.
