Nairobi: A public participation forum on the proposed Kisii County Health Improvement Financing Bill, 2024 was held at the County Hall in Gucha, Kisii County, where residents and stakeholders shared their views on the new legislation aimed at improving health financing and service delivery across the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Gucha Sub-County Administrator, Kenneth Anyieni, and brought together representatives from the health sector, civil society groups, and members of the public to deliberate on the provisions of the proposed bill. The Health Improvement Financing Bill, 2024, enacted by the County Assembly of Kisii, seeks to give further effect to the National Facilities Improvement Financing Act, 2023.
While making a presentation on the bill, Dr. Guto Nyabando, the in-charge of Gucha Sub-County Hospital, highlighted that the legislation, once implemented, will empower hospitals in the county to collect and retain all monies raised or received to meet their operational expenses. Dr. Nyabando explained that the bill will ensure hospitals have readily available financial resources for their daily operations and management, which will improve access to health services for all county residents and enhance efficiency in service delivery.
He further noted that the proposed law will allow hospitals to operate as procurement units in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, and its 2020 regulations, enabling them to budget for and utilize collected revenues promptly. The bill will also establish governance and accountability structures to support transparent and efficient use of health funds.
Dr. Nyabando stated that the financing will come from various sources, including funds appropriated by the County Assembly, own-source revenues such as user fees and service charges, reimbursements from insurance firms, income from licensing under the public and environmental health departments, as well as grants, donations, gifts, and other revenue-generating activities undertaken by the health facilities.
The bill, once enacted, will apply to county referral hospitals, sub-county hospitals, health centers, dispensaries, public health units, and any other approved health entities within Kisii County. Dr. Nyabando emphasised that the initiative is part of a broader effort by the county government to strengthen healthcare delivery systems, ensure accountability in financial management, and promote equitable access to quality health services across all levels of care.