In a momentous celebration of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day on October 20, 2023, Kenya’s government took a significant step by enacting four groundbreaking laws aimed at fortifying the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. These new legislations will bolster health financing and healthcare provision, setting the stage for a robust community health ecosystem.

1. The Primary Healthcare Act: Revolutionizing Healthcare Delivery: The Primary Healthcare Act focuses on preventive and promotive health services. It marks a new era for effective primary healthcare delivery, emphasizing community health approaches. Notably, over 100,000 community health promoters will be supported to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability.
2. The Digital Health Act: Pioneering Integrated Health Information: The Digital Health Act streamlines the development of a comprehensive and integrated health information system. This will foster seamless data sharing and lead to improved patient care.
3. The Social Health Insurance Act: Securing Healthcare Financing: The Social Health Insurance Act establishes the Social Health Authority and introduces three innovative funds: ensuring publicly financed primary healthcare, social health insurance fund, and a chronic illness and emergency fund.
4. The Facility Improvement Financing Act: Empowering Public Health Facilities: The Facility Improvement Financing Act grants public health facilities autonomy and a consistent funding source for healthcare operations.

This remarkable achievement is a result of the extensive public engagement and collective dedication of numerous stakeholders. It reflects a shared goal of saving lives, empowering communities, and contributing to a healthier nation.

President William Ruto emphasized his government’s commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare for all. “We have steadfastly toiled to ensure that healthcare touches the lives of every Kenyan. I have affixed my signature to four bills that will open the doors to accessible healthcare for all. We begin with our devoted community health promoters who have selflessly served for years. Now, they are equipped and fairly compensated for their invaluable service to Kenya.” He also acknowledged that for every KSh1 invested in community health, KSh9.40 are realized in economic and social gains.

The electronic community health information systems (eCHIS), now in use across the country, will collect accurate household data and support the CHWs to provide high-quality, timely, and equitable care.

Partners in the healthcare ecosystem are joining forces with the county governments to capitalize on the political support and investment for effective service delivery. Building a resilient health system will ensure that commitments to effective service delivery remain ongoing and uninterrupted.

Relatedly, Living Goods supported the mini-launch events of UHC in Busia and Isiolo counties. In the spirit of “ushujaa,” we will review how to define and shape our work to better support the counties moving forward.