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The Spot Check 
Ruto Warns County Health Facilities Against Charging for Free Services as Biometric System Rolls Out
President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to county health facilities that continue to charge Kenyans for outpatient services in government-funded hospitals, saying those found culpable will face consequences.
Speaking during the official launch of a biometric identification system for patients at Level 4, 5, and 6 hospitals, the Head of State said it was unacceptable for public facilities to exploit citizens while receiving full financial support from the government.
“I am sending a warning to health facilities in our counties that are still charging Kenyans for outpatient services in government-funded facilities: they will have themselves to blame because we shall go after them,” Ruto declared.
The President revealed that the newly launched biometric identification system is part of the government’s strategy to eliminate fraud and curb fake claims that have long undermined the healthcare sector. By linking patients’ identities to a secure database, the system will ensure that only genuine beneficiaries access services, reducing wastage and safeguarding public resources.
“Today marks a turning point in our healthcare system. For far too long, fraudulent claims and ghost patients have threatened the sustainability of our health services. With biometric verification, this abuse will end,” Ruto said.
The biometric system will be rolled out nationwide, with the initial phase targeting major hospitals before expanding to all counties. Officials say the technology will also improve efficiency, reduce paperwork, and make it easier for health workers to serve patients.
Ruto further noted that the Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), is paying health facilities three times more than what NHIF previously offered. He explained that the increased funding is meant to enhance service delivery and ensure all Kenyans benefit from the universal health programme.
“We are investing more than ever before in our healthcare system because we want every Kenyan, regardless of their economic status, to have access to quality treatment without fear of financial ruin. That is why SHA is paying facilities three times more than NHIF ever did,” he said.
The President urged county governments to cooperate with the national administration to achieve the universal healthcare goal, warning that any official or institution found sabotaging the programme would face strict action.
The launch of the biometric system and the enhanced funding comes as part of the government’s broader health reforms, aimed at making medical care accessible, affordable, and corruption-free.
