By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya ,June 11, 2026 - Kenya has significantly increased funding to the health sector as part of its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, with the government positioning healthcare as a central pillar of its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Presenting the 2026/27 Budget Statement in Parliament, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said UHC remains a key social and economic priority.
“Mr. Speaker, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is central to BETA’s social contract. Equitable access to quality health services is essential for human capital, productivity and poverty reduction,” Mbadi said.
He announced a total allocation of KSh 177.2 billion to the health sector, aimed at strengthening essential services, expanding access, and improving health outcomes across the country.
A significant portion of the budget has been directed toward primary healthcare, which forms the foundation of Kenya’s health system.
Key allocations include KSh 8.6 billion for salaries of UHC staff and KSh 19.1 billion for the Primary Healthcare Fund to support frontline services.
These investments are expected to improve access to basic healthcare services, particularly in underserved regions.
The government has also prioritised disease prevention and immunisation programmes as part of efforts to reduce preventable deaths and long-term health costs.
“Mr. Speaker, to reduce the burden of communicable diseases and advance immunization, I propose KSh 18.5 billion for the Global Fund; and KSh 6.4 billion for Vaccines and Immunization Programme,” Mbadi said.
These allocations are intended to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to respond to infectious diseases while protecting children and vulnerable populations.
Non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer, remain a growing concern, prompting increased investment in specialised treatment infrastructure and services.
“Mr. Speaker, tackling cancer and other chronic illnesses requires focused investments,” Mbadi noted.
The budget includes KSh 3.0 billion for an Emergencies, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, KSh 1.0 billion for construction of a Cancer Centre at Kisii Level 5 Hospital, and KSh 300 million to strengthen cancer management at Kenyatta National Hospital.
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An additional KSh 150 million will support expansion of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital.
To strengthen tertiary healthcare services, the government has allocated KSh 45.3 billion for referral hospitals.
Major infrastructure projects include KSh 487 million for a Burns and Paediatrics Centre at Kenyatta National Hospital, KSh 300 million for renovation and replacement of obsolete equipment at the same facility, and KSh 2.0 billion for a new 2,000-bed multi-specialty hospital at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
These investments are aimed at improving specialised care and reducing pressure on existing facilities.
To improve efficiency in service delivery, the Treasury has allocated funds to key health institutions responsible for procurement, research, and reproductive health services.
“Mr. Speaker, to ensure reliable supply chains and strengthen human resources, I propose KSh 20.9 billion for Kenya Medical Supplies Agency,” Mbadi said.
Additional allocations include KSh 3.1 billion for the Kenya Medical Research Institute, KSh 1.3 billion for integrated reproductive health programmes, KSh 500 million for family planning commodities, and KSh 600 million for the National Blood Transfusion Services.
The budget also places emphasis on strengthening Kenya’s health workforce through training, internships, and community health programmes.
Allocations include KSh 9.3 billion for medical interns, KSh 10.9 billion for Kenya Medical Training Colleges, and KSh 3.2 billion for stipends for Community Health Promoters, alongside KSh 396 million for their medical insurance.
Mbadi said the investments reflect the government’s commitment to building a resilient health workforce capable of delivering quality services across all levels of care.