Have you seen the latest stats on healthcare costs in Kenya? Prices have gone up by 3.3% over the past year!
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reported that medical expenses increased by 0.4% between December 2024 and January 2025. It’s a trend that keeps getting worse.
It’s becoming really tough for families. A lot of people are already struggling to afford basic healthcare, and now with rising costs, many might have to choose between medical care and other essentials.
Alex: Exactly. It’s not just about hospital visits. The price hikes affect everything—doctor consultations, medication, insurance premiums, and even diagnostic tests.
Craig: I was talking to a doctor the other day, and he said that while 3.3% might not sound huge, it’s a big deal for middle and low-income families. If wages don’t increase at the same rate, people will feel the impact even more.
Alex: Yeah, and let’s not forget the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA). There’s still a lot of uncertainty about how it’ll work, and people are worried about whether it will really make healthcare more affordable.
Craig: Right! The government says they want Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to ensure no one is left behind, but there are so many delays and concerns.
Alex: And insurance premiums keep rising too. Some families already struggle to keep up with payments, and if these costs continue to increase, more people might drop out of insurance schemes altogether.
Craig: That would be disastrous! Without insurance, many would have to pay out-of-pocket, and we both know how expensive medical care can be. Some people might even avoid hospitals altogether because they can’t afford treatment.
Alex: That’s already happening. There are reports of Kenyans delaying care or turning to cheaper, less effective alternatives just to save money.
Craig: Meanwhile, the government keeps urging people to register for SHA, but how can they if they don’t even know how much it’ll cost them in the long run?
Alex: Exactly. And let’s not forget about public hospitals they’re under pressure too. Drug shortages, understaffing, and lack of equipment are making things worse.
Craig: It’s a cycle, really. If people can’t afford care, hospitals don’t get enough funding, and the quality of services declines. Then, even those who can afford treatment end up suffering because of overcrowded and under-resourced facilities.
Alex: Something has to change. Maybe more subsidies for essential drugs or better regulation of insurance premiums could help ease the pressure.
Craig: True, but it needs to happen fast. If costs keep going up without proper intervention, we’re going to see more health crises in the future.
Alex: Let’s hope policymakers step up before it gets worse. Access to affordable healthcare isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity.
