No Kenyan will be turned away in an emergency again – Ruto

President William Ruto says his administration is transforming the country’s emergency healthcare system, with the introduction of free initial emergency treatment, the establishment of a national ambulance dispatch centre, and increased funding for primary healthcare under the universal health coverage initiative.

Speaking at the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto stated that the reforms aim to ensure prompt medical attention for all citizens, particularly in life-threatening situations where delays have previously proven fatal.

“Every Kenyan who requires emergency evacuation through this system will receive it free of charge,” he affirmed, highlighting a significant move to eliminate financial barriers to critical care.

A key component of these reforms is the planned launch of Kenya’s first national ambulance dispatch centre, expected to be operational by the end of July. The system will make Kenya only the second country in Africa to implement a coordinated national ambulance dispatch framework.

Once operational, the centre will be integrated into the country’s digital health infrastructure via the Digital Health Agency, facilitating real-time ambulance coordination and faster deployment of emergency services. It is projected to manage approximately 100,000 emergency evacuations annually.

President Ruto explained that the new system is designed to rectify long-standing deficiencies in emergency response.

“We are strengthening Kenya’s emergency response architecture and ensuring that life-saving assistance reaches every citizen wherever they may be,” he stated.

He further noted that delays and a lack of coordination in emergency care have contributed to avoidable deaths, particularly in the critical moments following accidents or upon hospital arrival.

The President also announced a significant policy change under the Social Health Authority (SHA), confirming that all accident victims will receive the first 24 hours of hospital care free of charge, irrespective of their registration status.

“Henceforth, for every accident, when a victim arrives in hospital, the first 24 hours are paid for by SHA for everybody, those who are registered or those who are not registered,” he explained.

This measure, according to the head of state, abolishes the long-standing requirement for upfront deposits before treatment, a practice Ruto stated had previously led to preventable deaths when patients were denied immediate care due to an inability to pay.

Furthermore, he announced the establishment of an emergency critical care fund under the SHA to enhance rapid response and patient stabilisation during the crucial early hours of treatment.

President Ruto also highlighted increased investment in the health sector, noting that funding for primary healthcare has been raised from KSh 13 billion to KSh 18 billion in the upcoming Finance Bill 2026.

“In the budget and the finance bill that I’m going to sign on Tuesday, we have enhanced the resources that are going to PHC from Ksh 13 billion to Ksh 18 billion,” he confirmed, adding that this move is intended to ensure the full implementation of the government’s health commitments.

He reiterated that healthcare access must be universal, arguing that no citizen should be excluded from treatment due to financial constraints.

“It is not right that there can be citizens who cannot go to hospital… they prefer to stay at home and possibly die because they have no means,” he asserted.

President Ruto also described the Social Health Authority as central to Kenya’s development agenda, designed to ensure every Kenyan has access to medical attention and the opportunity to live with dignity.