2024/25 Budget: How Sh127bn will be allocated across different health sectors

The health sector has been allocated Sh127 billion for Affordable Healthcare provision in the 2024-25 financial year, according to budget estimates presented by Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u in the National Assembly on Thursday. While this amount may seem substantial, it represents a significant cut of Sh14.2 billion from the previous year's allocation of Sh141.2 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

This marks the third consecutive year that the health sector has faced budget cuts.

Key allocations within the health sector budget include:

1. Universal Health Care Coverage: Sh4.2 billion has been dedicated to the coordination and management unit of universal health care coverage.

2. Free Maternity Health Care: A significant allocation of Sh2.0 billion will support free maternity health care services.

3. Managed Equipment Services: The government has set aside Sh3.6 billion for managed equipment services.

4. Medical Cover for Vulnerable Groups: Sh861.5 million has been earmarked for providing medical cover to the elderly, orphans, and persons with disabilities, ensuring these vulnerable groups receive necessary medical attention.

5. Community Health Promoters: An impressive Sh4.6 billion will be directed towards stipends and specialised medical equipment for community health promoters.

6. Primary Health Care Fund: Sh4.1 billion will be invested in the primary health care fund, aimed at strengthening primary health care services across the country.

7. HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis (Global Fund): The fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis will receive Sh28.76 billion.

8. Vaccination and Immunisation Programs: Sh4.6 billion has been allocated to vaccination and immunisation programs, critical for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases.

9. Cancer Early Diagnosis and Management: To combat cancer, Sh 1.1 billion will be used for early diagnosis and management at Kenyatta National Hospital and Kisii Level IV Hospital.

10. Emergencies and Chronic Illness Fund: Sh2 billion will be set aside for the emergencies, chronic, and critical illness fund.

11. Health Service Delivery at Major Hospitals: Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital will receive Sh29.7 billion to enhance health service delivery and infrastructure.

12. Construction of KNH Burns and Pediatric Centre: Sh2.6 billion will be used for constructing a new burns and pediatric centre at Kenyatta National Hospital.

13. Kenya Medical Supplies Agency: Sh5.2 billion is allocated to the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency to ensure a steady supply of essential medical commodities.

14. Kenya Medical Research Institute: Sh2.5 billion will support the Kenya Medical Research Institute's ongoing medical research and innovation efforts.

15. Family Planning and Reproductive Health: Family planning and reproductive health programs will receive Sh1 billion, enhancing access to reproductive health services.

16. National Blood Transfusion Service: Sh760 million will be used for the procurement of equipment for the National Blood Transfusion Service.

17. Medical Interns and Training: Sh3.7 billion is allocated for medical interns and Sh406 million for training medical personnel.

18. Kenya Medical Training Center: The training centre will receive Sh8.6 billion.