Nairobi(Mogadishu24)-President William Ruto has praised the collaboration between religious organizations and the National Government in enhancing healthcare delivery across Kenya.

Speaking at the commissioning of a state-of-the-art cardio-thoracic centre at Tenwek Mission Hospital in Bomet County, he acknowledged the crucial role of public-private partnerships in expanding healthcare infrastructure.

The new facility, a first of its kind in East Africa, was established with support from the African Gospel Church, World Gospel Mission (WGM), and Samaritan’s Purse.

“We invite more public-private partnerships to boost investments in the development of healthcare infrastructure and the expansion of services,” President Ruto said Thursday, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in improving healthcare accessibility and affordability.

During his speech, President Ruto announced plans to simplify visa and work permit requirements for missionaries, aiming to facilitate their operations in Kenya and encourage further contributions to health and community projects.

The event was attended by key figures, including Edward Graham, Chief Operations Officer of Samaritan’s Purse, WGM President Dan Schafer, and the Chairman of the Tenwek Mission Hospital Board of Directors, Rev. Robert Lang’at.

Cabinet Secretaries Debra Barasa (Health) and Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport), along with Governors Hillary Barchok (Bomet) and Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado), also joined local MPs and other leaders at the function.

In addition to the new hospital facility, President Ruto highlighted recent advancements in Kenya’s healthcare system. He urged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), which he said offers more extensive benefits than the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

“Primary healthcare is now free at all dispensaries and health centres, as well as selected hospitals, while ambulance and emergency services are available nationwide free of charge,” he announced, noting that over 13 million Kenyans have registered with SHA in the past month.

He expressed confidence that the migration from NHIF to SHA would be completed within the next three months.

The launch of the cardio-thoracic centre at Tenwek Mission Hospital represents a significant step forward in Kenya’s healthcare landscape, offering specialized services that were previously only available abroad, and underscoring the potential of partnerships between the government and faith-based organizations.