Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale gave a stern warning to facilities that still charge Kenyans for outpatient services, affirming that such an act is against the Constitution and a blatant disregard for President William Ruto’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) directive.
In his statement on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Duale reminded hospitals and clinics that outpatient services are a constitutional right to be accessed by Kenyans and as part of the broad health reforms of the government.
“The Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to quality, affordable healthcare,” he stated, stressing the urgency of complying with the new directive.
President Ruto had earlier directed that free outpatient treatment be offered in all public and private hospitals, framing the action as one of his UHC pillars. Following the same line, Duale declared:
“In line with the President’s directive and our commitment to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Agenda, all outpatient services in every health facility must now be provided free of charge,” he added.
The tough-talking Cabinet Secretary warned that hospitals and clinics that are defying the directive will be sued.
“Any facility that continues to charge Kenyans for outpatient services is in violation of this directive and the Constitution and will face firm legal consequences,” he said.
His warning follows growing dissatisfaction from citizens alleging being denied access to treatment or forced to pay for services that should already be free under the Universal Health Coverage plan.
