The National Assembly Health Departmental Committee has called for increased funding to the health sector amid concerns that public hospitals are under severe pressure from rising patient numbers and persistent staffing shortages.
The legislators argue that Sh175.5 billion allocated to the sector falls short of what is needed to sustain essential services, warning that key referral hospitals may struggle to meet the growing demand for specialised care.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee has since pledged to prioritise stronger financing for the health sector as it continues its review of the proposed 2026/27 budget estimates in Parliament.
The committee, chaired by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, held discussions with the Departmental Committee on Health to assess the proposed allocations and examine funding gaps affecting service delivery across public health facilities.
Appearing before the committee, Health Committee Chairperson James Nyikal told Members of Parliament that national referral hospitals were operating under severe strain, mainly due to inadequate staffing levels despite rising demand for specialised medical services.
“Our national referral facilities are suffering particularly in the area of human resources. Even if we get some additional funding for each referral hospital, particularly teaching hospitals like Kenyatta, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital, it would help,” Nyikal said.
According to the Health Committee budget report, the sector has been allocated Sh175.5 billion in the 2026/27 financial year, which represents 7.29 per cent of the national budget.
Budget Committee Vice Chairperson Robert Pukose stressed the importance of predictable financing for public hospitals, noting that more than 70 per cent of Kenyans depend on public facilities for treatment.
“Over 70 per cent of Kenyans visit public hospitals. We need the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA) to institute a predictable and time-bound reimbursement mechanism for healthcare facilities, with priority given to public health institutions whose operations heavily depend on SHA reimbursements as Appropriations-in-Aid,” Pukose said.
He added that the timely settlement of verified claims would strengthen hospital operations, clear pending bills and prevent disruptions in service delivery.
The Budget Committee further observed that the State Department for Medical Services is facing a significant funding gap, with major pressure points including SHA funds, personnel costs, cancer treatment programmes, and critical health infrastructure projects.
Legislators also raised concern over the country’s preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks following recent Ebola cases reported in parts of the region.
Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka questioned whether the Ministry of Health was adequately prepared to respond to a possible outbreak.
“Is the Ministry prepared for Ebola, noting the outbreak?” Aseka posed.
In response, Nyikal urged the Ministry to submit a clear national preparedness framework to Parliament to guide response efforts. “The Ministry should provide a response plan for Ebola,” he said.
The Health Committee report further indicates that the government has allocated Sh700 million under the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Programme, aimed at procuring and installing emergency response equipment.
Committee Chair reiterated that strengthening health financing, improving staffing levels, and enhancing disease preparedness remain key to achieving Universal Health Coverage and safeguarding public health services.
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