President Ruto Launches Major Health Reforms, Opens 124-Bed Butere County Hospital

President William Ruto has announced a comprehensive transformation plan for the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) aimed at improving efficiency, sustainability, and the timely delivery of medical supplies to public health facilities across the country.

Speaking during the official opening of the 124-bed Butere County Hospital in Kakamega County on Thursday, the President said the government is determined to raise KEMSA’s drug availability rate from the current 48 per cent to 68 per cent, with a target of achieving 100 per cent by the end of the year.

“We are undertaking a bold transformation of KEMSA to make it more efficient, sustainable, and effective,” President Ruto said. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure every health facility across the country has consistent access to essential medicines and commodities, thereby improving health outcomes for all Kenyans.”

Boosting Health Infrastructure in Western Kenya

The President also commissioned the newly constructed Butere County Hospital, a 124-bed facility that marks a significant milestone in improving healthcare access for residents of Butere and the wider Western region.

He announced that the national government has allocated KSh150 million to equip and upgrade the hospital with modern medical technology, advanced diagnostic equipment, and essential infrastructure to ensure quality service delivery.

“This investment will guarantee modern facilities, quality care, and greater dignity in healthcare delivery,” he said.

The hospital will serve as a referral center for surrounding health facilities, easing congestion at Kakamega County General Hospital and enhancing access to specialized medical services for thousands of residents.

Commitment to Universal Health Coverage

President Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the ongoing implementation of health reforms under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

He said the government is prioritizing the availability of medicines, human resource development, and infrastructural upgrades to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of location or economic status, can access affordable and quality healthcare.

“Health is the foundation of productivity and prosperity. Our reforms are people-centered, ensuring that every Kenyan has access to essential services without financial hardship,” he said.

The President also called for closer collaboration between national and county governments to strengthen healthcare systems, noting that partnership and accountability remain key to achieving sustainable improvements in service delivery.

Transforming KEMSA for Efficiency

In his remarks, the President emphasized that the revamping of KEMSA will include reforms in procurement, supply chain management, and digital tracking systems to eliminate inefficiencies and ensure timely distribution of drugs and medical supplies.

He noted that restoring public trust in KEMSA is central to improving healthcare outcomes, as consistent drug availability is a lifeline for hospitals and clinics across the country.

“KEMSA must work for the people of Kenya — efficiently, transparently, and accountably,” President Ruto said. “By the end of this year, we aim to achieve a 100 per cent refill rate in all health facilities.”

A Healthier, Stronger Kenya

The opening of Butere County Hospital adds to the growing list of completed and ongoing health infrastructure projects under the current administration, signaling continued progress in decentralizing healthcare services.

Residents of Butere welcomed the new facility, calling it a “game changer” that will bring critical services closer to the community and reduce the burden of long-distance referrals.

The President concluded his remarks by reaffirming his government’s dedication to investing in health, saying it remains one of the key pillars of Kenya’s economic and social transformation.

“We are building a nation where access to healthcare is not a privilege, but a right,” he said. “Every investment in health is an investment in our people, our productivity, and our shared future.”