Kenya Accelerates Efforts to Achieve Universal Health Coverage

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has announced a series of bold reforms to fast‑track progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), centered around its Taifa Care programme. According to the Ministry, more than 24 million Kenyans are now enrolled in the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, reflecting strong uptake of public‑sector health insurance.To sustain this momentum, the SHA aims to raise KSh 90 billion annually, partly through locally mobilized contributions that reduce dependence on external aid.
Under these reforms, Kenya is also reemphasizing Primary Health Care (PHC) as the foundation of its health system. The government has enacted key laws — including the Primary Health Care Act, the Digital Health Act, and the Social Health Insurance Act — to institutionalize community‑level care, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable financing. As part of this shift, all 47 counties are strengthening Primary Care Networks (PCNs), training over 106,000 Community Health Promoters, and rolling out a digital health infrastructure for seamless health data exchange.
Digital transformation is playing a critical role in Kenya’s UHC strategy. The Ministry of Health reports that over 8,500 health facilities are now connected through the Health Information Exchange, while the SHA Registration Portal and AfyaYangu App simplify the process of accessing health insurance benefits. These digital systems are helping to improve accountability, speed up claims processing, and strengthen transparency.
Looking ahead, Kenya is pressing ahead with multi‑sector partnerships to solidify its UHC gains. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently met with World Bank officials to promote collaboration on emergency services, health financing, and climate‑resilient infrastructure. With enhanced financing, digital systems, and grassroots coverage, Kenya hopes to move closer to equitable, high‑quality health care for all.