Ruto warns health sector fraudsters as Sh200bn equipment project launched
The President said the newly installed digital health infrastructure is secure, intelligent, and soon to be enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) to detect fraud in real-time
President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to corrupt government officials and rogue healthcare providers exploiting the country’s health system for personal gain, declaring that such practices will no longer be tolerated under his leadership.
Speaking on Thursday, August 7, during the launch of the Ssh200 billion National Equipment Service Project at State House, the President said the newly installed digital health infrastructure is secure, intelligent, and soon to be enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) to detect fraud in real-time.
“If you are trying to game the system, beware you are already on our radar,” Ruto cautioned, adding that ongoing investigations will expose and bring to book those found culpable.
He singled out certain health facilities as “theatres of theft, corruption, and fraud,” warning that such institutions risk closure. Ruto said any healthcare professionals involved in fraudulent activities will not only lose their licenses but also face legal action.
“There is no facility owned by any individual, public official or otherwise, that will be allowed to perpetuate fraud and go scot-free. That will not happen,” he said.
The President expressed determination to safeguard the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program from the corruption that plagued the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), reiterating that the new system must operate with transparency and accountability.
During the event, Ruto flagged off 14 CT scanners, two ultrasound machines, 30 dialysis units, and multiple digital X-ray systems under the first phase of the new project.
He announced that in the next two months, an additional batch of 58 digital X-rays, 65 ultrasound devices, 19 CT scanners, 100 theatre equipment sets, and 100 lab systems will be deployed nationwide.
He revealed that since June 2025, more than 60,000 medical services have already been delivered in 29 health facilities across 18 counties using the new model.
“We have installed vital equipment including CT scanners, digital X-rays, ultrasound devices, and modern laboratory systems,” Ruto said, terming the rollout a game-changer in Kenya’s push for equitable healthcare access.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, governors, and senior ministry officials were in attendance.
