Kenyan government faces a critical test of prioritising healthcare in the upcoming financial year despite the debt crisis and budget constraints, with the health budget on the verge of suffering a Ksh67 billion budget cut.
Implementation of key health functions is at risk unless additional funding is secured.
Speaking before the National Assembly Committee on Health, Dr. Ouma Oluga, the PS in the Department of Medical Services, stated that the department requires Ksh426.8 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year.
The 2025 Budget Policy Statement, however, allocated Ksh172.6 billion to the State Department.
The latest fiscal estimates then proposed a reduced allocation of just Ksh105.4 billion, leaving a shortfall of Ksh67.2 billion initially allocated to health services.
Also Read: CS Mbadi Summoned Over Cash Crisis
This threatens the continuity of major and important health services. Initiatives like the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) that aims to strengthen public health infrastructure face the risk of stalling.
The UHC which has been a flagship policy for the government also risks terminating its services.
Reduced fund allocation means cuts in infrastructure development, hiring of staff and shortage of essential services.
Reduced funding could also weaken responses to ongoing challenges like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and emerging threats, especially in a context where the epidemiological transition is increasing the burden of chronic diseases.
HIV/AIDS and family planning also face a Ksh33.9 billion shortfall for HIV programs and family planning commodities.
Reduced funding could weaken responses to ongoing challenges like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and emerging threats, especially in a context where the epidemiological transition is increasing the burden of chronic diseases according to a statement by the Health of Ministry.
The situation of cutting down on fund allocation to the health ministry has been made even worse after the U.S. suspended $21 million in funding. This is due to frequent corruption and mismanagement cases within the ministry.
Also Read: Kenya Met Lists Regions to Continue Receiving Rain in May
A Ksh4.27 billion shortfall for vaccines further threatens Kenya’s immunization programs. The Kenyan government failed to pay ksh1.6 billion owed to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This led to children born since January 2025 missing essential vaccines in over 10 counties.
The Ministry of Health is already struggling with a Ksh3.8 billion debt in pending bills as well as a Ksh500 million deficit for operational costs.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
