The government of Kenya is planning to work on interventions including sustainable health financing through domestic resources to fill the gap left by US funded health programmes.
This is after US president Donald Trump decided to cut foreign aid funding.
Trump’s decision exposes Kenya and other African countries to the risk of lacking financial ability to run crucial health programs.
However, Health cabinet secretary (CS) Dr. Debora Barasa has observed that Kenya cannot continue to depend on partners and external factors to fund local health systems.
“We are coming up with interventions but this also highlights the importance of SHA, sustainable health financing using domestic resources. We cannot always depend on external partners and foreign aid to fund our health systems,” said the Health CS.
Dr. Barasa made the remarks while touring the Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital as she concluded a day long tour of various health facilities in Laikipia County while in the company of Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu on Tuesday February 4, 2025.
She drummed up support for Social Health Authority (SHA) registrations, while also engaging the National Treasury and other revenue sources to finance health services in the country.
At the same time, the Health CS advised Kenyans to enroll for Taifa Care to access quality healthcare as the government also works to address the small challenges facing the health insurance cover.
During the tour, she also stated that the Ministry of Health has heightened its efforts to combat drug and substance abuse in the country.
The campaign, which includes a three-day sensitization workshop in Nanyuki, brings together key stakeholders such as healthcare workers, Community Health Promoters, and law enforcement officers, to strengthen the national response to drug abuse.
In her address, Dr. Barasa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the enforcement of existing public health regulations.
She stressed the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing the growing prevalence of drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
This initiative is part of Kenya’s broader efforts to improve public health standards and promote a healthier population.
