The government has proposed an allocation of Ksh138.1 billion for the health and programmes allied to the sector that has in the past two years been under pressure over staffing deficits, that has been further compounded by donor funding cutbacks.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, while presenting the budget policy highlights for financial year 2025/26 on Thursday in Parliament, said access to quality and affordable healthcare through the Universal Health Coverage Programme is central to the government.

Out of the proposed allocation, Ksh6.2 billion was proposed for Universal Health Coverage Coordination and Management, while Ksh13.1 billion went to the Primary Healthcare Fund, and Ksh430 million to provide medical cover for the orphans, elderly and severely disabled persons.

“To lower cases of HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis and enhance vaccines and immunisation programmes in the country, I have proposed Ksh17.3 billion for the Global Fund and Ksh4.6 billion for the vaccines and immunisation programme, respectively,” the cabinet secretary said.

For early diagnosis and management of cancer and in order to reduce the burden of treatment of chronic and critical illnesses among Kenyans, Mbadi proposed an allocation of Ksh8 billion to the Emergencies, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, while Ksh1 billion wen to the construction of a cancer centre at Kisii Level 5 Hospital. In addition Ksh100 million was allocated to the strengthening of cancer management in Kenyatta National Hospital and Ksh100 million for the expansion of comprehensive cancer treatment at Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital.

“I have also proposed a sum of Ksh42.4 billion for our referral hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenyatta University Teaching Referral & Research Hospital, Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital Othaya, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, to improve service delivery,” he explained.

Other allocations include Ksh1.3 billion for the construction of the Kenyatta National Hospital Burns and Paediatrics Centre.

The cabinet secretary also proposed Ksh5.2 billion for the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency, Ksh2.7 billion for the Kenya Medical Research Institute, Ksh500 million for procurement of family planning and reproductive health commodities and Ksh300 million for procurement of equipment at the National Blood Transfusion Services.

Further, to strengthen the capacity of medical personnel, the cabinet secretary also proposed an allocation of Ksh4.3 billion for medical interns, Ksh3.2 billion for community health promoters, Ksh303 million for training of health personnel and Ksh8.9 billion for the Kenya Medical Training Centres.

The minister highlighted some of the achievements by the government under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to enhance the attainment of Universal Health Coverage, including the expansion of social health insurance.

“As of May 2025, more than 22 million Kenyans were registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), representing a remarkable 175 per cent increase in membership compared to the eight million previously enrolled under the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF),” he said.

This, Mbadi added, marks a major milestone in health sector reforms and brings us closer to our goal of equitable, affordable, and accessible healthcare for all.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Wangari Ndirangu