NAIROBI, Kenya – In a landmark move to advance his Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, President William Ruto assented to four pivotal health bills at Nairobi’s State House on Thursday, October 19, 2023.
This comes after the National Assembly passed the bills on Tuesday without any amendments.
The newly signed laws, according to include the Social Health Insurance Act, Digital Health Act, Primary Healthcare Act, and the Facility Improvement Financing Act.
Reflecting on the achievement, President Ruto said, “We have to remember that this initiative failed during former President Mwai Kibaki’s rule but today, we have managed to achieve that. I have to congratulate both Houses. Through them, their sacrifice and commitment has been displayed and it is for the betterment of Kenyans at large.”
Emphasizing the potential implications for ordinary citizens, Ruto highlighted that in the future, “Kenyans will only need to identify themselves, and doctors can pull out their medical records and assist them.” He further asserted that the new laws ensure that even those who can’t afford medical care will not be denied emergency medical services.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua commended lawmakers for the swift passage of the bills, underscoring their benefits to the Kenyan populace. “A healthy nation breeds a prosperous nation. The impact will be felt on the ground, especially on preventive medicine as compared to curative medicine. It is a win for local mwananchi,” remarked Rigathi.
Highlighting the broad impacts of these new laws:
- The Primary Healthcare Law aims to bolster preventive health services, incorporating 100,000 community health promoters.
- The Digital Health Law focuses on telemedicine promotion and health service digitization, eliminating current written transactions.
- The Facility Improvement Financing Law seeks to regulate funds in public health facilities.
- Meanwhile, the Social Health Insurance Law plans to dismantle the National Health Insurance Fund, introducing three fresh funds: A Primary Health Care Fund, a Social Health Insurance Fund, and a Chronic Illness and Emergency Fund.
The aforementioned bills have successfully navigated both the Senate and the National Assembly.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Majority in Parliament leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Majority Whip Bonny Khalwale, along with international partners like officials from the World Health Organization, were present during the historic signing.
President Ruto is slated to officially unveil the UHC plan in Kericho during the Mashujaa Day celebrations tomorrow. The newly minted laws reflect the country’s commitment to transforming health coverage, resonating with the Kenya Kwanza pledges.
