During a session of the National Assembly’s Health Committee, chaired by Endebess MP Robert Pukose, Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai admitted that the Ministry had been unable to implement various projects as directed by President Ruto. ‘The State Department continues to receive several presidential directives to fund health facilities across the country. So far, we require at least Sh1 billion to upgrade the health facilities the President promised,’ he said
Some of the roadside declarations made by President William Ruto during his tours across the country may not be implemented in the 2025/2026 budget after the National Treasury failed to allocate the required Sh1 billion.
The Ministry of Health has now revealed that, despite requesting Sh1 billion to facilitate the upgrades, the National Treasury did not allocate any funds for the projects—suggesting that the President’s promises may remain unfulfilled.
The affected health facilities are spread across seven counties, including Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Busia, and Kakamega.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Health Committee, chaired by Endebess MP Robert Pukose, Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai admitted that the Ministry had been unable to implement various projects as directed by President Ruto.
“The State Department continues to receive several presidential directives to fund health facilities across the country. So far, we require at least Sh1 billion to upgrade the health facilities the President promised,” he said.
The funding shortfall comes at a time when Dr Ruto has been traversing different parts of the country, making numerous pledges.
In Mombasa County, the President issued Sh1.7 billion in cheques to 612 groups within the blue economy sector. The funds are part of the Sh10 billion allocated under the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) World Bank project, targeting five counties.
In the North Eastern region, Dr Ruto inspected and launched several development projects, including reopening the Garissa passport office, which had been closed since 2014.
He also inaugurated the Mandera Technical Training Institute’s Jitume ICT hub, aimed at creating more job and online opportunities for local youth. Additionally, he reviewed progress on the Mandera Water Supply and Sewerage Infrastructure Project, which, once completed, will serve over 12,000 households.
During a six-day tour of the Western region, the President announced a Sh150 million bonus for sugar farmers who had supplied cane to Kakamega’s Mumias Sugar Factory—the first such payment in the sector.
He further highlighted efforts to revive the sugar industry, pointing to the writing off of Sh117 billion in debts, including the settlement of Sh1.7 billion in farmers’ arrears and Sh650 million owed to employees.
“With a record 832,000 tonnes of sugar produced last year, Kenya is on course to attaining surplus production and commencing regional exports by 2026, turning sugarcane cultivation into a viable and rewarding venture,” he stated.
Meanwhile, in his submission to MPs, Kimtai urged Parliament to allocate additional funds to enable the Ministry to meet its obligations.
He lamented that out of the Sh426.8 billion requested by the State Department, only Sh172.6 billion was allocated, leaving a funding shortfall of Sh254.2 billion.
“Chair and Honourable Members, in the FY 2025/26, the budget has integrated key issues critical to the State Department, leading to enhanced service delivery to the public. However, there is a need for full implementation of these programmes and projects,” he emphasised.
Among the most costly projects in the Ministry’s budget submission is the upgrading of Ziwa Sub-County Hospital in Soy Constituency at Sh500 million. This is followed by the upgrading of Tiret Sub-County Hospital in Turbo Constituency and Kesses Sub-County Hospital in Kesses Constituency, each requiring Sh100 million.
Other projects include upgrading Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital in Lurambi Constituency, constructing an additional Level IV hospital in Baringo Constituency, and upgrading Khunyangu Level III Hospital in Butula Constituency—each budgeted at Sh50 million.
Additional health centres earmarked for upgrades include Makutani Health Centre in Baringo North Constituency, Kapchemuta Health Centre in Marakwet West, Masikita Health Centre in Samburu North, Lokwamosing Health Facility in Turkana South, Arbalao Health Centre in West Pokot, and Khwisero Mother and Child Level IV Hospital in Baringo. Each of these projects is estimated to cost Sh20 million.
