As new pandemics emerge worldwide, Kenyans are questioning whether the country is adequately prepared for another health crisis. Years of mismanagement, corruption, and financial instability have left the healthcare system fragile. Hospitals remain underfunded, patients struggle to access care, and medical workers are overwhelmed. The recent transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) was supposed to improve healthcare accessibility, but many remain skeptical about its effectiveness.
For many Kenyans, the shift to SHA has yet to translate into real change. Veronika Wambui, a cervical cancer patient, has found herself relying on fundraisers to cover medical tests and treatments. Despite the government’s promise of universal healthcare, she is forced to pay her insurance premium upfront, which has strained her already struggling family.
“I thought healthcare was supposed to be accessible to everyone, but here I am, forced to beg just to get tests done,” she says.
This sentiment is echoed by many battling chronic illnesses who still face barriers such as delayed approvals and out-of-pocket costs. The promise of universal health coverage (UHC) remains unfulfilled as patients continue to navigate a system fraught with inefficiencies.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed glaring weaknesses in Kenya’s healthcare system. Access to medical care was far from equal, with informal settlements and rural areas bearing the brunt of the crisis. Public hospitals were stretched beyond capacity, while private facilities remained financially out of reach for many.
Samwel Onyango, whose father fell seriously ill during the pandemic, experienced firsthand the devastating impact of an unprepared healthcare system. The hospital near his village lacked oxygen supplies, forcing his family to transfer his father to a distant facility at an overwhelming financial cost.
“The expenses were unbearable, and even after the transfer, we struggled to find the care he needed,” Samwel recalls. “Many hospitals were overwhelmed, and the isolation policies only added to our pain.”
His father eventually succumbed to COVID-19, a tragedy worsened by undiagnosed underlying conditions due to limited healthcare access. The experience left Samwel questioning Kenya’s preparedness for future health emergencies.
The introduction of SHA aimed to bridge healthcare gaps, but high premiums and systemic confusion have already marred its rollout. While the government claims to have registered nearly 18 million Kenyans, only 3.3 million have completed the means testing, raising concerns about the program’s accessibility.
Many hospitals have suspended services due to outstanding NHIF debts, which reportedly accumulated to KSh 30 billion. Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa recently revealed that as of September 30, 2024, NHIF accounts held only KSh 1.4 billion. The transition to SHA has also sparked criticism from lawmakers. Senator Okiya Omtatah questioned why universal healthcare was being funded through premiums instead of taxes, arguing that this model excludes many from accessing care.
“Universal health coverage means no one is left behind, but paying premiums means only those who can afford it get access,” Omtatah stated.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, African leaders voiced concerns over the lack of equity in global healthcare systems. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted how Africa was left behind in vaccine distribution while wealthier nations secured doses first. Kenyan President William Ruto echoed these sentiments, stating, “We witnessed firsthand how Africa was sidelined in the global COVID-19 response. Access to life-saving medical supplies should not be determined by a country’s wealth.”
Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for Africa to invest in its healthcare infrastructure, warning that without strong systems in place, the continent would remain vulnerable to future crises.
Despite the government’s claims of progress, the reality on the ground suggests that Kenya remains ill-prepared for another health emergency. The high unemployment rate has pushed many Kenyans into the indigent category, yet the government insists that those above 25 years old must pay SHA premiums. Without significant reforms and increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, millions will continue to face barriers to quality medical care.
As the world faces the possibility of future pandemics, the question remains: Will Kenya learn from past failures and build a truly resilient healthcare system, or will history repeat itself?
