Kenyans prioritize healthcare and universal access Afrobarometer finds

Kenya’s government has prioritized healthcare as a key component of its economic agenda. Recent budgetary allocations and policy shifts aim to improve access and quality of services, but challenges remain.

Healthcare Funding and Policy

For the 2025/2026 financial year, the Kenyan government allocated Ksh 138.1 billion to healthcare, representing an 8.7% increase from the previous year. Despite this increase, certain critical programs, including medical coverage for the elderly and persons living with disabilities, experienced funding cuts of up to 50%. The healthcare allotment constitutes 3.45% of the national budget, significantly below the 15% commitment outlined in the 2001 Abuja Declaration.

Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage Policy (2020-2030) seeks to ensure equitable access to quality health services without financial hardship. In October 2024, the government transitioned from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to broaden access and improve efficiency. However, 55% of patients continue to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses. Furthermore, only one in five healthcare facilities consistently receive government payments and reimbursements, impacting their ability to cover operational and payroll costs. The 2023/2024 auditor general’s report also highlighted concerns regarding the Social Health Authority’s issuance of an unconstitutional procurement valued at Ksh 104.8 billion.

Healthcare Workforce and Service Availability

Kenya currently has a ratio of one doctor for every 5,263 people, falling short of the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:1,000. A 2023 Ministry of Health census indicated that while 90% of facilities provide basic outpatient services, access to specialized care is limited. Only 17% of facilities offer mental health services, 12% provide dental extractions, and 6% offer rehabilitative services. Concerns regarding remuneration and placement of trainee doctors have contributed to frequent industrial action by healthcare workers.

Citizen Perceptions and Experiences

Findings from a recent Afrobarometer Round 10 survey module on healthcare reveal that Kenyans prioritize healthcare as the most pressing issue requiring government action. A majority of citizens lack medical aid coverage, primarily due to cost, and express concerns about accessing or affording medical care when needed. More than two-thirds of respondents reported that a family member went without healthcare at least once in the past year.

A majority of Kenyans support government-ensured universal access to healthcare, even if it necessitates tax increases. Those who sought care at public clinics or hospitals frequently reported difficulties in obtaining services, citing issues such as a lack of medicines, long wait times, unaffordable costs, absent personnel, and poor facility conditions.

Less than half of citizens express trust in the Ministry of Health, and a majority disapprove of the government’s performance in improving basic healthcare.