Nairobi, Kenya – August 7, 2025 – President William Ruto has launched a transformative Ksh.200 billion National Equipment Services Project (NESP) aimed at revolutionizing healthcare delivery across Kenya. Unveiled at State House, Nairobi, the initiative shifts public hospitals to a fee-for-service model, ensuring access to cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies without financial strain on facilities.
The NESP, funded through the Social Health Authority (SHA), eliminates the need for public hospitals to purchase medical equipment outright. Instead, private sector partners will supply, install, and maintain advanced tools, with the government reimbursing providers per use based on pre-agreed SHA tariffs. “This innovative program ensures equipment is not only installed but consistently maintained, guaranteeing reliable service,” President Ruto said during the launch.
The rollout includes the delivery of critical equipment such as two ultrasound machines, 30 dialysis units, and several digital X-ray systems to county hospitals. Over the next two months, an additional 58 digital X-rays, 65 ultrasound machines, 19 CT scanners, 100 theatre equipment sets, and 100 laboratory systems will be deployed nationwide. Since June 2025, over 60,000 medical services have been delivered across 29 health facilities in 18 counties under the program.
President Ruto emphasized that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals, ensuring “healthcare is a right for all Kenyans.” To date, 25.2 million Kenyans are registered with the SHA, which has contracted over 11,000 hospitals, clinics, and health centers. The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and Primary Healthcare Fund have disbursed Ksh.56.4 billion for services since October 2024.
The program also integrates a national digital health backbone to enhance transparency and efficiency. Medical supplier Sunview Medipro International, one of NESP’s vendors, has already delivered 14 modern CT scan machines to 14 counties, completing 3,000 scans in the past month alone.
However, the ambitious plan has faced scrutiny. Critics highlight ongoing challenges with the SHIF, including system glitches and unpaid debts from the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which have caused disruptions in healthcare services. Despite these hurdles, President Ruto remains optimistic, warning against fraudsters and urging patience as the government works to align the system.
The Ksh.200 billion investment marks a significant step toward modernizing Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure, with the potential to transform access to quality care for millions. As the NESP unfolds, Kenyans await its impact on the ground, hoping it delivers on the promise of a healthier, more equitable future.
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