President Ruto Commits KSh 1.5 Billion To Upgrade Baringo Healthcare As 410,000 Residents Register Under SHA

President William Ruto has announced major strides in the overhaul of Kenya’s health system, confirming that over 410,000 residents of Baringo County have successfully registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Speaking on the progress of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Head of State emphasized that the ongoing healthcare reforms are designed to dismantle the barriers of the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) structure, which primarily served salaried and affluent citizens. The shift to SHA aligns directly with Article 43 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to accessible, high-quality healthcare regardless of their financial or employment status.

Direct Funding for Local Facilities

To strengthen medical infrastructure at the grassroots level, President Ruto disclosed that Baringo County has received KSh 1.5 billion over the past 18 months. The direct disbursements have been channeled straight to local dispensaries, health centers, and Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals across the region to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and stock of essential medical supplies.

Addressing concerns over resource management, the President assured residents that all funds allocated for local healthcare development remain fully secured.

”Over the last 18 months, Baringo County has received 1.5 billion KES directly dispatched to your local dispensaries, health centers, Level 4, and Level 5 hospitals. Rest assured, the funds allocated for your medical infrastructure are secure, and we are committed to building and upgrading modern healthcare facilities right here in Kabarnet so that quality medical services reach every family,”President William Ruto affirmed

Focus on Kabarnet Infrastructure

The planned upgrades in Kabarnet and across Baringo County form part of the government’s broader strategy to decentralize specialized medical care. By expanding facility capacity, modernizing equipment, and securing direct facility funding, the administration aims to ensure that residents no longer need to travel long distances for critical medical attention.

With registrations under SHA continuing across the county, health officials urge remaining households to sign up to benefit from primary care and specialized treatment packages now available under the new framework.