universal health coverage kenya Stories

3,000 ghost workers exposed in UHC payroll scandal amid ongoing strike
Eastleigh Voice Reporter  |  Jun 03, 2025

Investigations show that these non-existent workers have been receiving monthly salaries of Sh50,000 each, costing taxpayers more than Sh1.5 million e...

Kenyan breast cancer patients to pay 67pc less for treatment under new deal with Roche
Lucy Mumbi  |  May 29, 2025

The agreement, formalised through an MoU, is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen financial protection for cancer patients in line w...

Health CS Duale says he will unveil list of fraudulent health facilities on June 14
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  May 28, 2025

The CS on Wednesday said the planned public release of a “list of shame” is part of the Ministry’s effort to clean up the sector and rebuild public tr...

World Bank urges scrapping of SHIF deductions for low-wage workers, cites threats to UHC goals
Bashir Mbuthia  |  May 27, 2025

A recent World Bank report states that the 2.75 per cent SHIF payroll deduction places a financial strain on low-income workers and small businesses.

Behind the white coats: Kenyan healthcare workers battle burnout, grief and neglect
Charity Kilei  |  May 25, 2025

Key factors causing mental health challenges for healthcare workers include heavy workloads, limited resources, tough working conditions, delayed pay...

MPs propose extra Sh47bn for health ministry to secure UHC jobs, improve services
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  May 23, 2025

The National Assembly Health Committee chair, James Nyikal, said the extra funds include Sh5 billion to pay gratuity to the 8,550 UHC workers whose co...

Africa’s pharma market to grow 26pc by 2029 as demand rises, but local production still lags
Alfred Onyango  |  May 21, 2025

Data from the UN Trade and Development notes that over 70 per cent of Africa’s medicines are imported, and half of the countries on the continent have...

Inside the ICU: Nurse's daily fight to save lives amid grief, shortages, silent strength
Charity Kilei  |  May 19, 2025

Nurses like Jackline Atieno form the backbone of the healthcare system, often serving as the first point of contact for patients and providing continu...

UHC staff to be transferred to counties by July 1, 2025 — Ministry of Health
Rachael Mutabasi  |  May 13, 2025

Following consultations with key stakeholders, including healthcare worker unions and the Council of Governors, the Ministry revealed that agreements...

Nurses reject payroll shift to counties, vow to strike until pay and job demands met
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  May 10, 2025

Health Ministry officials maintain that the payroll transfer is a necessary step for the devolution of health services, as outlined in Kenya's broader...

Explainer: Who are the striking UHC workers, and why are they protesting?
Charity Kilei  |  May 08, 2025

Though hired on contractual terms, they were assured that their positions would be converted to permanent and pensionable roles after a set period.

UHC staff ordered to resume work as payroll shifts to counties in July
Lucy Mumbi  |  May 06, 2025

The parties agreed that county governments will not only take over payroll responsibilities but also receive budgetary support to ensure the seamless...

Oluga calls for urgent reforms in blood services to avert crisis, boost UHC goals
Rachael Mutabasi  |  May 06, 2025

He highlighted the importance of strategic planning, strengthening internal supply chains, and upgrading equipment to ensure a consistent supply of sa...

MPs, state officials could be forced to use public hospitals under proposed healthcare reforms
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  May 01, 2025

The policy would also ensure that top officials no longer enjoy medical privileges at the taxpayer’s expense, a move that could save the government mi...

UHC workers protest in Nairobi over unmet promises, harassment
Rachael Mutabasi  |  Apr 29, 2025

According to UHC workers, they have endured years of unfulfilled promises since their recruitment in May 2020, particularly regarding their absorption...

Ministry of Health, Council of Governors to fast-track delivery of digital health devices
Rachael Mutabasi  |  Apr 15, 2025

Among the resolutions are the acceleration of digital health system integration in counties, the distribution of essential medical devices, and the ab...

Health CS Duale: SHA to provide Sh550,000 in annual coverage for cancer patients
Rachael Mutabasi  |  Apr 01, 2025

Duale said reimbursement for intensive care unit and high dependency unit services has been significantly increased, rising from Sh4,480 to Sh28,000 p...

Kenya secures Sh1.8 billion from China to modernise hospitals
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Mar 27, 2025

The funding aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure, improve medical equipment, and support the government’s push for Universal Health Coverage.

Explainer: How Kenyans are struggling for healthcare despite UHC promise
Charity Kilei  |  Mar 17, 2025

In Kenya, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is a key component of the government's strategy to achieve UHC) aiming to provide affordable and acc...

Poor remuneration pushing Kenya's community health promoters to the edge
Charity Kilei  |  Mar 17, 2025

CHPs are the backbone of Kenya’s primary healthcare system under Universal Health Coverage which focuses on primary health care.

Healthcare workers protest over unpaid dues and job insecurity
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Mar 04, 2025

The UHC workers, who were employed during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressed frustration over their current employment status, which they described as "...

President Ruto: Social Health Authority will work despite experiencing challenges
Eastleigh Voice Reporter  |  Mar 02, 2025

Ruto emphasised that SHA aims to provide medical coverage for all Kenyans, regardless of their financial status.

45 governors sign medical equipment deal amid concerns over project’s implementation
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Feb 28, 2025

Appearing before the Senate plenary on Wednesday, CS Barasa defended the NESP initiative, stating that it is a critical component of the Universal Hea...

Local health facilities generate Sh18 billion, boosting county revenues
Lucy Mumbi  |  Feb 25, 2025

The increase follows the rollout of the Facilities Improvement Fund, established after the enactment of the Facilities Improvement Financing Act, 2023...

KMA proposes formation of a national health services commission to address healthcare crisis
Rachael Mutabasi  |  Feb 11, 2025

The proposed commission aims to address these challenges by improving governance, enhancing workforce management, and ensuring a more efficient alloca...

Healthcare costs rise by 3.3 per cent, putting pressure on household budgets
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Feb 04, 2025

These rising expenses are pushing many low and middle-income families into tough situations, often forcing them to make difficult decisions about thei...

Government plans to register over 15 million learners to Taifa Care by April
Lucy Mumbi  |  Jan 27, 2025

Under the new Taifa Care scheme, all primary and secondary school learners will now benefit from comprehensive medical coverage.

Drug shortages and struggle for health equity: Kenya's uphill battle to actualise Universal Health Coverage
Charity Kilei  |  Jan 11, 2025

As a cornerstone of Kenya's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, UHC is driven by the principles of equity, quality, and financial prote...

Financial gaps threaten Kenya's healthcare goals – DP Kindiki
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jan 10, 2025

In response to concerns about delayed payments to Community Health Promoters, he assured that all stipend arrears would be cleared soon.

Boost for KMTC as President Ruto announces Sh600 million funding for staff recruitment
Charles Adinda  |  Jan 10, 2025

President Ruto also announced that KMTC students would benefit from the Higher Education Loans Board scheme in the upcoming budget.

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