“A Healthy and Productive Nation”
The Ministry of Health Achievement Report for Financial Year 2024–2025 documents a year of significant transformation in Kenya’s health sector. The reporting period was characterized by decisive reforms, unprecedented investment, and measurable improvements in health outcomes across multiple dimensions. Guided by the commitment to Universal Health Coverage, the strengthening of primary healthcare, and the principle that every Kenyan deserves access to quality and affordable health services, the Ministry pursued a comprehensive agenda that has produced tangible results for millions of Kenyans.
The transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) stands as the most consequential health financing reform in Kenya’s recent history. The SHIF launch extended health insurance coverage to 18.5 million Kenyans — a 34 per cent population coverage rate that, while still short of the universal coverage target, represents a substantial foundation for expansion. Critically, this coverage expansion was accompanied by a reduction in out-of-pocket health expenditure from 28 per cent to 22 per cent, directly reducing the financial burden on vulnerable households and reducing the risk of catastrophic health spending. The Linda Mama Program delivered free maternity services for 1.2 million births, protecting women from the financial cost of childbirth that has historically been a barrier to facility delivery.
Infrastructure investment transformed the physical landscape of health service delivery. One hundred and fifty new health facilities were constructed across all levels — 100 Level 2 facilities bringing primary care closer to communities, 40 Level 3 health centres, and 10 Level 4 hospitals providing district-level services. An additional 320 existing facilities were upgraded to higher service levels, and 500 facilities were equipped with modern medical equipment. KEMSA Regional Distribution Centres reduced medicine and commodity stockouts by 65 per cent. Fifty facilities were established specifically in underserved and hard-to-reach areas, directly addressing geographical inequity in health access.
The recruitment of 15,000 additional health workers represented the largest single-year health workforce expansion in Kenya’s history. This cohort included 3,500 nurses, 1,200 doctors, 2,800 clinical officers, 1,500 laboratory technicians, and 6,000 community health promoters. Concurrently, 120,000 Community Health Promoters — the backbone of Kenya’s community health strategy — were deployed and operational across all 47 counties, providing preventive and promotive care to communities and linking them to formal health facilities.
Health outcomes improved across virtually all key indicators. Maternal mortality declined from 362 to 297 deaths per 100,000 live births, an 18 per cent reduction. Under-five mortality fell from 43 to 34 deaths per 1,000 live births, a 22 per cent improvement. Neonatal mortality reduced from 22 to 18 per 1,000 live births. Skilled birth attendance increased from 81 per cent to 88 per cent. National immunization coverage reached 92 per cent — the highest ever recorded — with the introduction of new vaccines including HPV, the malaria vaccine RTS,S, and PCV13. HIV treatment coverage was maintained at 92 per cent, and malaria-related deaths fell by 35 per cent through vector control and the distribution of 15 million long-lasting insecticidal nets.
Digital health transformation accelerated significantly. The Kenya Health Information System (KHIS) now covers 98 per cent of public health facilities, enabling real-time data collection and evidence-based decision-making. Electronic Medical Records were implemented in 850 facilities, exceeding the target of 500. The National Telemedicine Platform connects 250 health facilities and has facilitated 2.3 million specialist consultations, extending the reach of specialized care to remote and underserved regions. Drone delivery of medical supplies to 45 remote facilities and artificial intelligence-supported diagnostics in radiology and pathology represent Kenya’s entry into the forefront of health technology innovation.
The Kenya Quality Model for Health was implemented in 450 facilities, with 120 achieving KQMH certification. Hospital-acquired infections were reduced by 40 per cent through standardized infection prevention and control protocols. Patient satisfaction scores improved from 68 per cent to 78 per cent. Thirty-five clinical guidelines were developed and disseminated. Two hundred NCD clinics were established across all counties, and 2.5 million people were screened for hypertension, diabetes and cancer, addressing the rapidly rising non-communicable disease burden.
Despite these achievements, the Ministry is candid about the challenges that remain. Health sector funding at 6.8 per cent of the national budget falls far short of the 15 per cent Abuja Declaration target. Infrastructure gaps persist in ASAL counties. The doctor- to-population ratio of 1:6,500 and nurse-to-population ratio of 1:800 remain far below WHO standards. Brain drain of trained health workers continues. Coordination between national and county governments requires continued strengthening. These challenges are analyzed in detail in Parts II and IV, and are addressed through the strategic directions for 2025–2030 articulated in this Report.
Request the full report: info@tutam.or.ke
