Kenya's Healthcare Crisis: Corruption and Underfunding Threaten Universal Health Coverage

Kenya's Healthcare Crisis: A Lack of Funding and Rampant Corruption Kenya faces a critical healthcare crisis, marked by insufficient funding and widespread corruption, according to Dr. Davji Atellah, KMPDU Secretary General. In a recent interview on Spice FM, Atellah painted a stark picture of the inequities within the system, noting that political leaders often enjoy access to superior healthcare while the public struggles. "We cannot talk about UHC without investing in healthcare," Atellah stated. "The moment we don't do that, you will see the political leaders not consuming the healthcare that they themselves are leading." He cited instances where significant budget discrepancies exist between national and county government allocations, leaving the public system under-resourced. Atellah also highlighted the pervasive influence of cartels and corruption, stating that "devolution of healthcare has, in a way, devolved corruption." He described a situation where a minister initially denied the existence of cartels within the Ministry of Health, only to later acknowledge their significant presence. This underscores the challenges of accountability and transparency within the system. Addressing the path forward, Atellah called for increased investment and stronger mechanisms to hold those involved in financial pilferage and corruption accountable. His words serve as a call to action, urging Kenyans and their government to prioritize healthcare and fight for a more equitable and functional system.