This archive report was first published on 18 August 2019.
Kenya's Public Health Facilities: A System in Crisis ¶
November 10th, 2017, marked a devastating day for Kenya as Governor Wahome Gakuru succumbed to injuries sustained in a road accident at Kabati along the Thika – Sagana highway in Murang’a County. The incident has sparked a national conversation about the state of Kenya's public health facilities, which are often criticized for being understaffed and under-equipped.
As a Level 5 Hospital, Thika Hospital is the referral point for district hospitals in the region. However, the hospital's inability to provide specialized care to Governor Gakuru has raised questions about the capabilities of Kenya's public health facilities. The Constitution of Kenya stipulates health as a right, with Article 43 (1) providing for the right to healthcare services and Article 43 (2) stating that a person shall not be denied emergency medical treatment.
According to the Society for International Development, the health sector in Kenya is plagued by under-resourced and poorly equipped facilities, as well as a lack of capacity. The Auditor General's report for FY 2013/2014 highlighted significant audit queries in the health sector, with the Auditor General providing an adverse audit opinion for the Ministry of Health. This has led to widespread corruption in the health sector, with available resources being stretched to cater for more patients than they can handle.
As noted by Seth Panyako, Secretary-General of the Nurses Union in Kenya, the collapse of the public health sector has led to outbreaks of diseases such as malaria. Panyako lamented that as long as politicians do not access public healthcare, they have no time to push a public healthcare agenda. He added that the government must take serious steps to address the crisis in the public health sector.
Governor Kibet echoed similar sentiments, stating that the death of Governor Gakuru reminded him of the need to prioritize public health facilities. He emphasized that accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of their geographical location or financial status, and that public health facilities are often the only option for those who cannot afford private healthcare.
As Kenya continues to grapple with the challenges facing its public health facilities, it is clear that a concerted effort is needed to address the crisis. This includes investing in the health sector, reducing corruption, and increasing access to healthcare services for all Kenyans.
