Nominated MP, Hon. Sabina Chege has called on the Ministry of Health to introduce a policy on mandatory use of public health care facilities by all civil servants, public officers and State officers in the country.    

Speaking before the National Assembly on February 26th 2025, Hon. Chege acknowledged that the use of the comprehensive medical cover by public officers and State officers in public hospitals would guarantee sufficient funding for public hospitals and improve service delivery.  

She cited Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including access to healthcare services. 

“The government is committed to accelerating UHC to ensure that all Kenyans receive essential quality health services. However, public healthcare facilities face funding shortages that hinder service delivery,” she said. 

The legislator pointed out that while public officers benefit from comprehensive medical cover provided by the government, a significant portion of these funds is spent in private hospitals.  

Hon. Chege further noted that the Ministry of Health is implementing the Kenya Universal Healthcare Coverage Policy 2020-2030, which seeks to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare. The policy is being rolled out through the newly introduced Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). 

“If all civil servants and State officers use public hospitals, it will not only improve funding but also boost confidence in our healthcare system,” she added. 

The motion, if adopted by the National Assembly, would see public officers, civil servants and State officers in public hospitals , exclusively seek treatment in public hospitals unless referred to private facilities under exceptional circumstances.