Maternal care free, President Kenyatta announces

President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi on the occasion of Madaraka Day June 1, 2013 accompanied by Chief of the Defence Force Julius Karangi. PPS

What you need to know:

  • President Kenyatta: Women will access maternal services in public hospitals for free starting June 1.
  • Government waives the Sh20 charged for registration in health centres.

The government has rolled out free maternal healthcare countrywide.

President Kenyatta said Saturday that women will access maternal services in public hospitals for free starting June 1.

"With respect to health, my government has made adequate budgetary arrangements to enable all pregnant mothers to access free maternity services in all public health facilities, with effect from 1st June, 2013," said President Kenyatta made during the Madaraka Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.

He said the government has also waived the Sh20 charged for registration in health centres.

"In addition, the user fees of Sh0 and Sh20 that have hitherto been charged in dispensaries and health centres respectively will equally cease with effect from 1st June, 2013.

"These measures are expected to increase access to required services by all pregnant mothers. They will also increase access to primary healthcare services in government health centres and dispensaries by all Kenyans," he said.