From Crisis to Coverage: Kenya's Healthcare Revolution
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Date
2024-04-09
Authors
Muriithi, Moses
Oleche, Martine
Kiarie , Francis
Mwangi, Tabitha
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Economic Research Consortium
Abstract
In Kenya, the majority of the households are unable to afford health care due to financial constraints as demonstrated by a high health finance vulnerability index. The existing health financing model that is heavily reliant on out-of-pocket payments, therefore, presents a significant barrier to healthcare access. The situation is especially critical when the country is faced with a health shock like the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Developing nations like Kenya are characterized by high poverty and unemployment rates further worsening the financial ability of the citizens to afford healthcare. To ensure equitable and quality healthcare access to all as envisaged in Sustainable Development Goal 3, Kenya must urgently reform its healthcare financing system, reducing the burden of out-of-pocket expenses and embracing more sustainable funding sources.