This archive report was first published on 28 December 2019.
As we welcome 2020, it is imperative that we address the ailing health sector in Kenya. The stark reality is that the quality of healthcare a person receives is often determined by their geographical location and financial means.
With health workers on strike in several counties and those present lacking sufficient provisions, the situation is dire. The scarcity of specialists and their uneven distribution exacerbate the problem, making it challenging for counties with the means to recruit them to do so.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. Kenyans are increasingly recognizing the need for a unified system of managing the health workforce and are converging on the idea of a Health Service Commission. This discussion is a positive step towards finding a solution to our healthcare challenges.
Ultimately, the goal should be to treat health as a national security issue, with certain aspects managed by county governments and others by the national government. This would ensure that Kenyans receive consistent and quality care, regardless of their location or financial resources.
Furthermore, addressing the mental health crisis in Kenya is crucial. In June 2019, the President acknowledged the rising rates of suicide, depression, and substance-related problems and directed the Health Ministry to take immediate action. The Ministry has since organized a national conference on mental health, and a taskforce has been established to prepare a roadmap for better mental health in the country.
With sustained momentum, 2020 can mark the beginning of a healthier epoch for the people of Kenya.
Lukoye Atwoli is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Moi University School of Medicine.
