On 9th May 2025, in Kericho County, a significant event took place in the ongoing push for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Kenya Kwanza Administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The leadership of the Ministry of Health (MoH) gathered with local leaders and residents to reaffirm the government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector and making healthcare more accessible to all Kenyans.
The event underscored the government’s efforts in transforming the health sector, focusing on the introduction of several key reforms aimed at improving service delivery. Among the reforms discussed was the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which includes a registration and benefits package. This system is designed to simplify and enhance access to healthcare services across the country, ensuring that more citizens can benefit from affordable and quality health services.
Digitization of health services was also highlighted as a critical component of the government’s strategy. The digitization effort will improve efficiency in health service delivery and create a more connected and transparent system. These changes are part of the broader implementation of the Taifa Care Model, a healthcare framework designed to bring comprehensive health services to all corners of the country, especially underserved and rural areas.
A major announcement was made during the event regarding the construction of a Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital, a transformative project to be carried out in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB). This hospital will be a critical addition to the country’s healthcare infrastructure, providing specialized medical services and training for health professionals. It marks a significant step toward achieving UHC by increasing the capacity to offer advanced healthcare services and reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
The project is part of a broader effort to ensure that health facilities across the country are adequately equipped to meet the growing demand for medical services. The government is committed to addressing the gaps in health infrastructure and making sure that people in every region can access the care they need without excessive travel or financial strain.
In addition to these reforms, the leadership of Kericho County was encouraged to ensure that all Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities within the county are incorporated into the SHA programme. This will facilitate the seamless delivery of essential health services at the grassroots level, where the majority of Kenya’s population resides.
The event was attended by key political leaders, including Governor H.E. Erick Mutai of Kericho County, who hosted the gathering, and National Assembly Majority Leader Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah. These leaders, along with other distinguished figures, lent their support to the initiative and underscored the importance of collaboration between national and county governments in achieving the goals set out under UHC.
As Kenya works towards realizing its vision for UHC, it is clear that strengthening the healthcare system requires both infrastructure investments and systemic reforms. The collaboration between government bodies, international partners, and local authorities is critical in creating a healthcare system that is equitable, accessible, and sustainable for all Kenyans. The ongoing efforts in Kericho County reflect a significant stride toward building a healthier, more resilient nation.
