Medical Services PS Kimtai appeals for Sh1 billion to implement 'roadside' declarations

The Health Ministry is pleading with the National Assembly to allocate Sh1 billion to fund projects President William Ruto pledged over the past year, which were not included in the budget.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Hillary Kimtai made an urgent appeal to MPs, warning that the projects risk being unfunded.

According to a document tabled by the state department, the President promised millions for upgrading 13 public health facilities in eight counties.

"The state department requires Sh1 billion as we continue to receive several presidential directives to fund health facilities across the country," Kimtai told the National Assembly's health committee.

Many of these projects were announced during President Ruto's development tours in response to public requests for improved infrastructure.

His administration has increasingly initiated unbudgeted projects in its two years in office.

Among the key projects in limbo is the Sh500 million upgrade of Ziwa Sub-county Hospital in Soy, Uasin Gishu County. Other projects in Uasin Gishu include Tiret and Kesses Sub-county Hospitals, each requiring Sh100 million.

Additionally, the President pledged Sh50 million each for Khunyangu Level III Hospital in Butula, Busia County, Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital in Lurambi, Kakamega County, and the construction of a Level IV hospital in Baringo County.

Several smaller health centres across Samburu, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Kakamega were also promised Sh20 million each.

Kimtai also raised concerns over budget cuts that could impact critical health programs, including the provision of HIV and AIDS drugs.

The Health Ministry had requested Sh426.8 billion for the 2025/26 financial year but was only allocated Sh172.6 billion, falling far below the Abuja Declaration target of 15 per cent of the national budget.

"We continue to reiterate the need to enhance upwards the budgetary allocation for the state department if we are to deal with the funding challenges we are experiencing," Kimtai told the committee.

He also urged the house to urgently allocate Sh30 billion to procure HIV drugs amid USAID funding withdrawal from some critical programs. The funds would also be used to address human resource shortages in the health sector.

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