Kenya boosts medical interns' support with Sh4.3bn allocation in 2025/26 health budget
The total health budget has increased to Sh138 billion for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, up from Sh123 billion—a reversal of three consecutive years of budget cuts.
The government has ramped up its support for medical interns in the 2025/26 fiscal year with a Sh4.3 billion allocation—an increase from Sh3.7 billion the previous year.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced the Sh600 million boost during the national budget presentation in Parliament.
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The increased funding comes in the wake of a turbulent period in Kenya’s healthcare sector, marked by a nationwide strike over delayed postings and unpaid stipends for medical interns.
The new allocation aims to address these concerns and ensure smoother deployment of young health professionals.
In addition, the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has received Sh8.9 billion to support its role in training the next generation of healthcare workers.
Beyond the focus on medical interns, the entire health sector has seen a substantial financial uplift.
Total health budget
The total health budget has increased to Sh138 billion for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, up from Sh123 billion—a reversal of three consecutive years of budget cuts.
Key allocation includes Sh17.3 billion for programs supported by the Global Fund, targeting diseases such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis. The Primary Healthcare Fund has nearly doubled to Sh13.1 billion, while Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital has been allocated Sh10.8 billion.
The Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund has grown to Sh8 billion, and Sh6.2 billion has been set aside for Universal Health Coverage coordination and management.
The Vaccines and Immunisations Programme will receive Sh4.6 billion, and Sh3.8 billion has been allocated to reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health services.
Other notable allocations include Sh5.2 billion for the recapitalisation of KEMSA, Sh3.2 billion for community health promoters, and Sh100 million each for cancer centre expansions at Kenyatta and MTRH hospitals. An additional Sh1 million has been allocated for a new cancer centre at Kisii Referral Hospital.
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