Kenya has a population of around 34 million with over 70 tribal groups, giving it a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Tourism is the fastest growing industry as Kenya is world renown for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife.

Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1962. However, government corruption throughout the 1990s led the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to impose a moratorium on aid. With Kibaki elected president in December 2007, the government has been working hard to renew allegiance with international aid organisations.

Health care in Kenya

Non-government providers are a significant part of Kenya’s overall health care provision providing approximately 21 per cent of health centres and 51 per cent of all other outpatient treatment facilities.

In 1994, the Government of Kenya approved the Kenya Health Policy Framework as a blueprint for developing and managing health services in the country. This Framework spells out the long-term strategic imperatives and the agenda for Kenya’s health sector.

The policy initiatives were aimed at responding to a number of constraints which had been identified as limiting the Governments ability to meet the health care needs of the Kenyan people. These constraints included a decline in health sector expenditure, inefficient utilisation of resources, centralized decision making, inequitable management information systems, outdated health laws, inadequate management skills at the district level, worsening poverty levels, increasing burden of disease, and rapid population growth. All of these factors have contributed to a significant decline in the quality of health outcomes of Kenyan people over the last 10 years.

For more in depth information on Kenya’s Health-care situation please visit the following websites:

World Health Organisation- Kenya Profile
www.who.int

United Nations- Kenya Profile
www.un-kenya.org

Kenyan Ministry of Health
www.health.go.ke