Primary healthcare, SHA reforms, community health services and critical illness support among key beneficiaries as Government intensifies UHC implementation.
NAIROBI, KENYA – Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has welcomed the allocation of KSh 175.5 billion to the health sector in the 2026/27 Financial Year Budget Estimates, terming it a significant step towards strengthening healthcare delivery and accelerating Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
CS Duale said the historic allocation, presented by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi before the National Assembly, reflects the Government’s commitment to expanding access to affordable, quality, and equitable healthcare services for all Kenyans.
The new funding represents an increase of KSh 37.5 billion compared to the current financial year and will support key health sector priorities, including strengthening primary healthcare, improving financial protection for patients, and expanding access to essential medical services.
Among the major allocations is KSh 19.1 billion for the Primary Healthcare Fund, which will support frontline health services, community-based interventions, and improved access to care at local health facilities.
The Government has further allocated KSh 4 billion to the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund to support patients requiring specialized treatment and reduce the financial burden associated with serious medical conditions.
Another KSh 18.5 billion has been set aside for the Global Fund Programme to sustain national interventions against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
CS Duale said the increased investment builds on reforms already underway through the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that more than 31.5 million Kenyans have registered under the new health financing framework.
He added that the Government has established 228 Primary Care Networks across the country and deployed 107,831 Community Health Promoters to strengthen preventive healthcare and bring essential services closer to households.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted progress in strengthening the healthcare workforce, with more than 16,000 medical interns engaged to support service delivery and address human resource gaps in the health sector.
On pending medical claims, CS Duale said KSh 4 billion has been allocated to clear verified claims inherited from the former NHIF, covering claims ranging from KSh 0 to KSh 10 million, as the Government continues efforts to resolve outstanding obligations.
He said the increased health sector financing will help build a more resilient healthcare system, strengthen ongoing reforms, and move the country closer to achieving universal access to quality healthcare.
“The 2026/27 Budget provides the resources required to deepen health reforms, improve service delivery, and ensure every Kenyan can access healthcare without facing financial hardship,” CS Duale said.
