Government Allocates Sh7.8 Billion to Boost Healthcare Services

By Eddah Sams

The Government of Kenya has allocated an additional Sh7.8 billion to improve healthcare services under the Taifa Care programme, focusing on chronic disease treatment, critical care, and maternal health.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the funding on Monday, stating that it would be incorporated into the supplementary budget to be tabled in the National Assembly this week.

“In the supplementary budget, Sh3 billion will be added to the chronic and critical illnesses kitty, another Sh3 billion to the primary healthcare fund, and a further Sh1.8 billion will go towards boosting maternal healthcare services,” Kindiki said.

As part of ongoing healthcare reforms, the government will introduce a new Means Testing Tool on March 1, 2025, to assess registered citizens under the Social Health Authority.

Kindiki assured Kenyans that the tool was developed with public and stakeholder input to ensure fairness in premium payments.

“The reviewed tool will result in predictable premium payments for all registered citizens and will not be susceptible to manipulation,” he stated.

The allocation aligns with the Kenya Kwanza Administration’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Kindiki emphasized that the government remains committed to expanding healthcare access, noting that 19.5 million Kenyans have already registered for Taifa Care.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that every Kenyan has access to affordable healthcare. I urge all registered citizens to make their monthly contributions to sustain the Taifa Care programme,” he added.

Regarding concerns over the recent withdrawal of US government funding for key healthcare programmes, Kindiki reassured the public that the government has taken steps to maintain service delivery.

“The Government of Kenya has made necessary contingency financing plans to ensure seamless delivery of healthcare services to the people,” he said.

The announcement followed the conclusion of the National and County Governments Health Summit, where leaders discussed Taifa Care’s implementation and ways to improve healthcare efficiency.

The summit was attended by Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Mulongo, Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi, and other senior officials.

Dr. Mulongo reaffirmed the government’s dedication to healthcare reforms, stating, “We are continuously engaging with county governments and stakeholders to ensure that our healthcare policies address the needs of all Kenyans.”