During the budget reading in Parliament, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u highlighted significant budget allocations in the Finance Bill 2024.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to realizing the constitutional right to health through the Universal Health Coverage Programme.
Prof. Ndung’u announced a proposed allocation of Ksh 127 billion to the health sector to support various activities and programs. This comprehensive budget includes:
– Ksh 4.2 billion for the Universal Health Coverage Coordination and Management Unit
– Ksh 2.0 billion for Free Maternity Health Care
– Ksh 3.6 billion for Managed Equipment Services
– Ksh 861.5 million to provide medical cover for orphans, the elderly, and severely disabled persons
– Ksh 4.6 billion for stipends and the acquisition of specialized medical equipment for Community Health Promoters
– Ksh 4.1 billion for the Primary Healthcare Fund
To combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, and to enhance the country’s vaccines and immunization programs, Prof. Ndung’u proposed:
– Ksh 28.7 billion for the Global Fund
– Ksh 4.6 billion for the Vaccines and Immunization Programme
For early diagnosis and management of cancer, and to reduce the treatment burden among Kenyans, the allocations include:
– Ksh 1.1 billion to strengthen Cancer Management at Kenyatta National Hospital and Kisii Level 5 Hospitals
– Ksh 2.0 billion for the Emergencies, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund
To improve health service delivery, Prof. Ndung’u proposed:
– Ksh 29.7 billion for Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospitals, including Ksh 2.6 billion for the construction of the Kenyatta National Hospital Burns and Paediatrics Centre
– Ksh 5.2 billion for the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency
– Ksh 2.5 billion for the Kenya Medical Research Institute
– Ksh 1.0 billion for procurement of family planning and reproductive health commodities
– Ksh 760 million for procurement of equipment at the National Blood Transfusion Services
Additionally, to strengthen the capacity of medical personnel, the proposal includes:
– Ksh 3.7 billion for Medical Interns
– Ksh 406 million for the training of Health Personnel
– Ksh 8.6 billion for the Kenya Medical Training Centres
According to the treasury CS, these allocations underscore the government’s determination to promote access to quality and affordable healthcare, addressing the nation’s immediate and long-term health challenges.
