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Healthcare is the most pressing issue for Kenyans – survey
Health is of particular concern for citizens over age 35 (53 percent to 56 percent), while unemployment is of greatest concern among youth (28 percent to 31 percent).
Half of Kenyans consider health to be the most pressing issue requiring government action, a new survey report showed.
The survey, conducted by the pan-African research group Afrobarometer in partnership with the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Nairobi, found that 50 percent of Kenyans are concerned about the health system.
This indicates widespread dissatisfaction with the system’s ability to meet the needs of the population and highlights the urgent need for reforms to address existing gaps in the sector. The study was conducted in October 2024 and the report of its findings was published on January 10, 2025.
Health concerns were prominent across all age groups, particularly among those aged 35 and above, where the percentage rose to between 53 percent and 56 percent. This highlights the ongoing crisis in Kenya’s health sector, which is characterised by inadequate infrastructure, lack of affordable services, understaffing and chronic underfunding.
Public hospitals often struggle with limited resources, while many citizens cannot afford private healthcare, leaving a significant portion of the population vulnerable. The government is currently battling to roll out a universal health coverage programme under the newly created Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Under the SHIF, Kenyan workers in the formal sector part with 2.75 percent of their monthly gross pay since October 1.
According to the report, these health concerns are worsened by the rising cost of living, which was ranked as the second most pressing issue by 38 percent of respondents. Inflation has driven up the prices of essential goods and services, further straining household budgets. For many Kenyans, the high cost of living leaves little room to afford healthcare or other basic needs, creating a vicious cycle of economic and health challenges.
Unemployment, cited as a critical issue by 25 percent of respondents, is of particular concern to younger citizens aged 18 to 35. Within this demographic, unemployment rates are alarmingly high, with 28 percent to 31 percent citing it as their top concern. The lack of job opportunities in a growing economy is causing frustration, especially among young people struggling to secure a sustainable livelihood. The unemployment crisis also contributes to other societal challenges, including poverty and crime.
Some 22 percent of respondents cited corruption, crime and security as major problems undermining efforts to tackle health, unemployment, and the cost of living. Rising levels of insecurity, including theft, violence and organised crime, contribute to an atmosphere of fear and instability. At the same time, widespread corruption diverts resources from critical sectors, including health, leaving public hospitals ill-equipped and infrastructure projects incomplete. This erosion of public confidence in government institutions hampers the implementation of effective policies.
“Asked what they consider Kenya’s most important problems requiring government action, respondents most frequently cite health (50 percent), followed by the increasing cost of living (38 percent) and unemployment (25 percent). More than one in five also cite education (24 percent), crime and security (22 percent) and corruption (22 percent) as top concerns. Health is of particular concern for citizens over age 35 (53 percent to 56 percent), while unemployment is of greatest concern among youth (28 percent to 31 percent).
The latest Afrobarometer survey findings indicate that most Kenyans are dissatisfied with the country’s economic direction. A majority of citizens experienced shortages of basic life necessities during the previous year, and many had to rely on family or friends for assistance to make ends meet,” said the report.
According to the latest Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) report, Kenya has experienced a notable decline in security, particularly in the absence of violence against civilians, which has dropped by 31.7 points since 2022. The country’s overall security rating fell by 8.7 points, while efforts to tackle corruption fell by 1.8 points.