President William Ruto has announced a major breakthrough for Kenya’s healthcare sector, confirming that more than 7,000 doctors, nurses, and other health workers currently serving under county government contracts will be transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms. Speaking during a Sunday service and fundraiser at Nkarusha Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kiserian, Kajiado County, the President said the government has allocated KSh8.9 billion to facilitate the transition, describing the move as a reward for the dedication and sacrifices made by healthcare workers across the country.
The decision marks one of the most significant interventions in Kenya’s health sector in recent years and is expected to improve morale among frontline medical personnel. For years, county-employed health workers have raised concerns about job insecurity and limited employment benefits. By absorbing them into permanent and pensionable positions, the government aims to strengthen the healthcare workforce while ensuring stability and improved service delivery in public health facilities.
President Ruto emphasized that healthcare remains one of his administration’s top priorities, noting that every Kenyan deserves access to quality and affordable medical services. He pointed to the allocation of KSh19 billion to the Primary Healthcare Fund, which will enable all Kenyans registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access free outpatient treatment at public, private, and faith-based health facilities. The President reiterated that citizens should not be charged for services covered under the fund, warning facilities that continue imposing illegal fees.
Further strengthening the health sector, the government has increased funding to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) from KSh10 billion last year to KSh21 billion this year. The additional resources are expected to ensure a consistent supply of medicines, medical equipment, and other essential health commodities. This investment seeks to eliminate shortages that have often affected service delivery and forced patients to purchase drugs from private pharmacies at higher costs.
The President noted that his administration’s reforms are intended to shield Kenyans from catastrophic healthcare expenses that often force families to sell land, livestock, or other assets to pay medical bills. By expanding healthcare coverage, improving medical staffing levels, and guaranteeing adequate medical supplies, the government seeks to build a healthcare system that is both accessible and sustainable for all citizens regardless of their economic status.
Beyond healthcare, President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s growing international influence, citing key global engagements that have elevated the country’s profile. He referenced the Africa Climate Summit hosted in Nairobi in 2023, his historic State Visit to the United States, and the Africa Forward Summit co-hosted with France in May 2026. The President also announced that he would travel to France to participate in the G7 Summit as Africa’s representative, reflecting Kenya’s increasing role in shaping global discussions on development and economic cooperation.
The Head of State further outlined the government’s achievements in agriculture and education. He noted that agricultural funding has increased to KSh63 billion, supporting fertilizer subsidies that have reduced the cost of a 50-kilogram bag from KSh7,000 in 2022 to KSh2,500 today. According to the President, these interventions have contributed to lower food prices, including a significant drop in the cost of maize flour. In education, the sector has received a record KSh784 billion allocation, supporting teacher promotions, curriculum implementation, scholarships, and technical training programs.
President Ruto concluded by emphasizing that the broad-based government remains focused on delivering tangible development outcomes across the country. He highlighted investments in roads, affordable housing, markets, electricity connectivity, and water infrastructure, while calling on political leaders to prioritize unity and development over divisive politics. The confirmation of permanent employment for over 7,000 county health workers stands as a landmark achievement that underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services, improving workers’ welfare, and ensuring that all Kenyans benefit from the country’s ongoing development agenda.
