Kenya is making significant strides in strengthening its health system through reforms focused on workforce, digitization, sustainable financing, and supply chain improvements. These reforms are designed to improve service delivery and safeguard citizens from both disease and financial hardship.
Under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, close to 10,000 health workers have been recruited, with 7,629 still serving across different facilities. A recent audit verified most deployments, but it also revealed documentation gaps, payroll inconsistencies, and qualification concerns. Continuous dialogue among counties, the National Treasury, and unions remains vital to stabilize the workforce and implement agreed transition plans effectively.
Digitization is taking root with the rollout of the Integrated Health Information System in 11 counties. Additionally, the Social Health Authority (SHA) claims system is now operational in over 8,600 facilities, enabling real-time data capture and streamlining provider reimbursements. These digital solutions are not only enhancing efficiency but also improving transparency across the health sector.
Membership in the SHA has grown rapidly by 223 percent, rising from 8 million to 25.8 million Kenyans. To date, over KES 64.9 billion has been collected, while KES 60.7 billion has been disbursed to health providers. Benefits under the scheme have been expanded to include increased oncology and ICU coverage. Despite this progress, challenges such as low registration in some regions and delayed employer remittances persist, requiring coordinated interventions.
On medical supplies, reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) have boosted local pharmaceutical manufacturing to 65 percent of essential medicines. New distribution centers have also been established in Mombasa and Kisumu, a move expected to improve efficiency in the supply chain. Adequate budget allocations and resource mobilization are emphasized as key to sustaining these improvements and ensuring consistent service delivery.
Through transparency, accountability, and innovation, Kenya’s health sector is laying a stronger foundation for UHC. These reforms collectively aim to provide equitable, reliable, and sustainable healthcare services to all Kenyans.
