In a move set to revolutionize healthcare delivery, the Government has unveiled the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025. This landmark legislation forms a central pillar of broader reforms aimed at accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The proposed Bill is designed to institutionalize and reinforce five key pillars that are shaping the future of healthcare in Kenya. These include: a fully publicly financed primary healthcare system; robust integration of ICT and telemedicine into the healthcare ecosystem; the strategic ring-fencing of health funds in partnership with the National Treasury and county governments; the formation of an Emergency Medical Treatment Fund; and the comprehensive rollout of Social Health Insurance for every Kenyan.
One of the most transformative provisions in the draft legislation is the establishment of a centralized Healthcare Tribunal. This body will be tasked with resolving disputes involving patients, healthcare professionals, and service providers, thereby addressing long-standing concerns over fairness, access to justice, and accountability within the sector. This tribunal will also bring newer branches of healthcare, such as medical aesthetic procedures, under a regulated framework that ensures safety and consistent quality standards.
This proposed law is widely seen as a critical lever for strengthening governance and oversight in the health sector. It marks a deliberate shift toward a system that emphasizes transparency, responsiveness, and inclusivity, particularly as the country navigates complex healthcare demands and expectations from a growing population.
The Bill’s emphasis on technology integration reflects a timely recognition of the digital age’s potential to expand healthcare access. With telemedicine gaining ground, especially in remote areas, the proposed legislation aims to lay the groundwork for equitable delivery of services irrespective of geographical location.
Additionally, the institutionalization of the Emergency Medical Treatment Fund is expected to enhance the country’s emergency response capabilities, offering timely interventions for critical health cases. Coupled with Social Health Insurance, the Bill promises to reduce out-of-pocket expenditures, thus alleviating the financial burden of healthcare on ordinary citizens.
The unveiling of this Bill signals a renewed commitment to rebuilding public confidence in Kenya’s healthcare system. It encourages a consultative and participatory approach, urging stakeholders to rigorously review and refine the proposals to ensure they align with both national priorities and the evolving needs of patients and providers.
If enacted, the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025 could become a cornerstone in the country’s march toward achieving Vision 2030 and establishing itself as a leader in quality healthcare on the African continent.
