by Khayelihle Sithole Kenya, like many nations across Africa, is striving towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as part of its public health agenda. Concerted efforts have been made to ensure healthcare is accessible and affordable for all citizens, notably, the creation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the UHC, which are key pillars. In the pursuit of these targets, Kenya’s Government has been instrumental in introducing legislation in support of UHC. In 2023, President William Ruto signed into law four Acts, including “The Primary Health Care Act”, “The Facility Improvement Financing Act”, “The Digital Health Act”, and “The Social Health Insurance Act”. These pieces of legislation were enacted to foster the implementation of the UHC and align with the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees every person’s right to access healthcare services, including reproductive health care. This progressive move emphasizes Kenya’s commitment to the health and well-being of its citizens, particularly as it navigates health challenges and implements healthcare reforms.
Notably, the Government’s BETA policy also connects healthcare with socio-economic development goals, further underlining the significance of healthcare reform. Inspirational words from the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu ring true in this context: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
” Kenya’s enacted acts and the overall reforms chart the path towards achieving affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all, underscoring the nation’s unwavering commitment towards realizing UHC. By setting this bold agenda, Kenya stands as a shining light for other nations aspiring to provide affordable, quality healthcare.
