This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
Published on August 7, 2020, Kenya's healthcare system is a complex issue with both challenges and progress. The country's economy is struggling, and resources are unevenly distributed among citizens due to corruption and lack of governance.
However, in recent years, there have been some improvements in the healthcare sector. Kenya dedicates around 5.7% of its national income towards healthcare, which is a low figure compared to other countries. For instance, neighboring South Africa spends almost twice this amount.
The quality of healthcare services varies greatly between cities and even neighborhoods. However, the best healthcare can be found in the capital, Nairobi. There are also several informative websites offering comparisons about different health insurance providers in Kenya.
Despite these improvements, Kenya's healthcare system faces significant challenges. The country suffers from a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, with almost 40% of new-graduated doctors fleeing the country each year in search of more lucrative opportunities abroad.
Additionally, poor living standards, such as the lack of clean water and hygiene, and low education, further burden the already humble healthcare system. The absence of an efficient government that prioritizes healthcare as a basic human right is also a major challenge.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for improvement. The awareness of the Kenyan people and their desire to live a better life is slowly but surely creating a positive change in the healthcare sector.
