Ruto Flags Off Sh350M WHO Medical Aid
Health Updated: 19 November 2025 14:16 EAT
President William Ruto on Wednesday officially flagged off a significant consignment of ambulances and critical medical supplies donated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to the government.
President William Ruto on Wednesday officially flagged off a significant consignment of ambulances and critical medical supplies donated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Kenyan government.
Valued at approximately Sh350 million (USD $2.3 million), the donation, flagged off at State House, is specifically aimed at accelerating the national agenda for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and significantly bolstering critical emergency response capabilities across the nation.
The comprehensive consignment includes a total of 14 fully equipped ambulances, with eight designated as advanced life-support units to strengthen the National Emergency Ambulance Centre.
The remaining six ambulances were specifically earmarked for reproductive and maternal health services in counties, recognizing the critical role of timely medical access in preventing maternal and neonatal deaths. Additionally, the donation provided 205 medical oxygen cylinders and nearly 3,000 emergency infection-prevention supplies to enhance preparedness in frontline health facilities.
Furthermore, it included 6.5 million tablets intended for the mass treatment of soil-transmitted ailments across 15 counties, an intervention expected to benefit at least three million people.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who was among the leaders present during the flag-off, underscored the importance of the gesture, noting that the supplies are strategically geared towards drastically reducing maternal and child mortality rates in the country.
He emphasized that the donation is a clear demonstration of WHO’s commitment to partnership. His sentiments were echoed by the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, who stressed that the donation serves as a powerful testament to the strength and importance of global partnerships in the effort to improve public health systems.
During his address, President Ruto highlighted the importance of a stable and motivated health workforce to the nation's well-being. He confirmed his administration had resolved long-standing issues affecting healthcare workers, stating, "We have resolved long-standing issues affecting healthcare workers, including settling of Sh3.5 billion in arrears owed to doctors and improving terms for other cadres."
The Head of State also provided updates on critical systemic reforms crucial to UHC. He revealed that his government has rolled out an integrated health management information system, with 1,378 facilities in 19 counties already online and thousands more at various stages of implementation.
He stated that as the digital superhighway is completed, Kenya will achieve data mobility, expand telemedicine, and improve efficiency across health systems.
The President went on to say that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is now the engine of universal health coverage, with more than 27 million Kenyans already registered and daily enrollment exceeding 30,000. He explained that the SHA brings together the Primary Healthcare Fund, Emergency Clinical, and Chronic Care funds.
Tags: William Ruto Aden Duale SHA Universal Health Coverage WHO Editor's Pick
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