Ruto Mulls Major Changes in Kenya’s Health System

President William Ruto has called for assistance from the government of Japan to enhance Kenya’s health system as part of the broader strategy to provide quality and affordable healthcare for Kenyans.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 20, during Kenya’s investment forum in Yokohama, Japan, the Head of State sought a partnership with the Asian nation to enhance Kenya’s universal health coverage.
He also rallied for help in the strengthening of diagnostics and research to enhance disease management within Kenya’s healthcare facilities.
Of particular focus was the need for assistance by the Japanese government in the deployment of technology to eliminate wastage and improve efficiency in health financing.
While addressing the delegation, the President underscored Kenya’s commitment to deepening its economic partnership with Japan, which he said was anchored by strong trade, investment, and development cooperation.
“I am delighted to be with you as our partnership with Japan advances with reinvigorated energy, expanding in scope, deepening in substance, and delivering tangible outcomes to our peoples,” the Head of State revealed.
His request comes at a time whenKenya’s health system is facing significant challengesspanning inadequate resources, problems in the health insurance and insufficient workforce.
Despite stringent measures by President Ruto’s administration to respond to the challenges and improve healthcare, most Kenyans remain dissatisfied.
A major concern has been the Social Health Authority (SHA), with a section of Kenyans expressing their outrage over the new health insurance, which they say is too expensive yet unresponsive.
To address the challenges in SHA, thegovernment went ahead to introduce a raft of solutions,includingthe SHA lipa pole pole to address persistent payment problems and irregular premium contributions.
President Ruto, while speaking on June 1, during the 62nd Madaraka Day Celebrations, said theSHA lipa pole pole initiative would enable Kenyans to remit their annual SHA contributions through flexible instalments, whether monthly, weekly, or even daily, based on their financial ability.
“It ensures families maintain continuous health coverage without financial strain, while simultaneously promoting the sustainability of the health insurance fund,” Ruto noted.