Deputy Party Leader Reuben Kigame Calls for Honest Reflection on Kenya’s Health Sector

Reuben Kigame, Deputy Party Leader of the Justice and Freedom Party (JFP)

Reuben Kigame, Deputy Party Leader of the Justice and Freedom Party (JFP), has voiced a strong and candid statement calling for a reckoning on the state of Kenya’s health sector. In a press briefing earlier today, Kigame raised concerns about the inefficiencies and failures plaguing the country’s healthcare system, urging citizens and government leaders to acknowledge the truth that the sector is not working for the majority of Kenyans.

"Let us be honest with ourselves," Kigame began. "Kenya's health sector is not working. The very systems that were put in place to serve the people are failing, and it’s time we admit that we are not providing the level of care our citizens deserve. The Social Health Authority (SHA) is not working for the people, and we need to face the reality of this crisis head-on."

Kigame, a long-time advocate for better governance and accountability, pointed out the stark contrast between the healthcare available to ordinary Kenyans and that which politicians receive. "When it comes to healthcare, our politicians fly out of the country for basic services, even something as fundamental as maternity care. They go abroad to receive the same services that should be available here, in a country that is supposed to be a regional leader."

The Deputy Party Leader further criticized the common practice of Kenyans seeking treatment abroad, particularly in India, for chronic diseases that should be treatable within the country. "We send our people abroad for treatment because our own hospitals lack the capacity, equipment, and expertise to handle these cases. This is an embarrassment. Why should our citizens have to leave the country for even the most basic health services? Why is it that when a serious health issue arises, many turn to India or other nations instead of trusting the system at home?"

In his remarks, Kigame underscored the need for a radical overhaul of Kenya's healthcare system, suggesting that the government must prioritize investing in healthcare infrastructure, training medical professionals, and addressing the widespread inequality in healthcare access. He emphasized that the current state of the health sector is not only a national embarrassment but a matter of life and death for many Kenyans who are unable to afford the basic health services they need.

"Health is a fundamental right, not a privilege for the few who can afford it or those in power," Kigame continued. "We need to stop the political games and start working toward a system where every Kenyan, regardless of their social status or wealth, can access quality care in their own country. This is not just about building more hospitals or increasing funding; it's about ensuring the system works for the people it’s meant to serve."

Kigame also pointed to the government’s failure to hold the SHA accountable and the underfunding of essential health services, which continues to affect rural and low-income areas disproportionately. "It’s clear that the government is not prioritizing health. The health sector is underfunded, and the funds that are allocated are not reaching those who need them the most. We are letting our citizens down."

The Justice and Freedom Party (JFP) leader ended his statement with a call for unity in addressing the deep-rooted issues within the healthcare system. "It is time for all of us to come together—government, opposition, and citizens—to demand a better healthcare system. We cannot afford to lie to ourselves any longer. The truth is, our healthcare system is broken, and we must fix it for the sake of all Kenyans."

March 27, 2025