Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the efficiency of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program, Taifa Care, as 17 million Kenyans are now registered under the initiative.
Speaking during a visit to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) this morning, Kindiki commended the strides made in implementing the program, acknowledging that while significant progress has been achieved, ongoing efforts are crucial to resolve any remaining challenges.
“Today marks a significant milestone as we engage directly with patients and healthcare workers at Kenyatta National Hospital. Our goal remains clear: ensuring every Kenyan has access to quality, timely, and affordable healthcare,” said Kindiki. He added that the government remains fully dedicated to addressing any outstanding issues to ensure the seamless delivery of healthcare services.
During the visit, Kindiki toured various departments and spoke to both patients and healthcare staff, focusing on the implementation of Taifa Care and areas where improvements can be made. Some of the concerns raised included delays in service delivery, staff shortages, and the need for more advanced medical equipment.
“We are aware of the challenges facing our healthcare workers and patients, and we are committed to addressing them. It is imperative that we ensure the efficiency of the UHC program so that hospitals, including our national referral centers like KNH, are equipped to serve the growing number of patients,” he added.
Kindiki reassured Kenyans that the government is working closely with health professionals to streamline operations, and that measures are in place to ensure that healthcare facilities have the necessary resources to manage the demand.
As the UHC program continues to expand, Kindiki emphasized that the government's focus is not only on increasing access to health services but also on improving the quality of care delivered across the country. He also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening the health system and enhancing service delivery.
The Deputy President’s visit underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to realizing the vision of Universal Health Coverage, with efforts focused on overcoming existing barriers to healthcare access. The government has pledged to continue working with all stakeholders to ensure that the vision of universal health coverage for every Kenyan becomes a reality.