How Kenya can attain universal health care

When it comes to the cost of medical care, a popular saying goes that majority of Kenyans are one medical emergency away from poverty. It is therefore not surprising that Universal Health Coverage (UHC), one of President Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda, has quickly gained traction relative to the other three pillars — enhancing manufacturing; food security and nutrition; and affordable housing. In fact, while execution for the other three is still being planned, the UHC pilot in Isiolo, Kisumu, Machakos and Nyeri counties was launched by the President in December 2018.

Despite the undeniable urgency to implement UHC, Kenya has to get it right. This is a major policy shift with massive implications for the future wellbeing of Kenyans and the economy. Two factors will determine success or failure of the UHC initiative which seeks to make healthcare accessible, affordable and of high quality. These are the model of investment as well as governance and accountability measures.