Members of Parliament have expressed strong support for the Facilities Improvement Financing (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a legislative proposal aimed at protecting and streamlining the management of funds collected by public health facilities across Kenya.
Chaired by Seme MP James Nyikal, the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health highlighted the bill's importance in resolving conflicts between national and county laws governing Facility Improvement Funds (FIFs). The committee emphasized that the bill will establish a clear and consistent framework for handling these funds, which are crucial for operational and maintenance costs in public health institutions.
The bill, sponsored by Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, seeks to prioritize national legislation over conflicting county laws to ensure uniformity and predictability in fund management. Owino noted that since the enactment of the National Facilities Improvement Financing Act in 2023, some counties have continued to implement their own divergent laws, creating legal inconsistencies.
During the bill's pre-publication scrutiny, inputs were received from key stakeholders including the Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Health, Kenya Law Reform Commission, and the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA). The committee's report underscored that aligning county practices with the national legal framework will enhance accountability and improve resource utilization in the health sector.
MP Nyikal described the proposed amendment as a critical step toward restoring order and efficiency in managing health sector finances, ultimately benefiting patient care and facility operations.
