We Contributed to the drafting of the Universal Periodic Review of Kenya´s Right to Health Report

During August 2024, we contributed to drafting the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Health Cluster report for Kenya.

We focused on prioritising healthcare financing and other critical health concerns. Our input on the pressing issue of healthcare financing was particularly impactful, as the submitted report calls for an increase in Kenya's health budget to at least 15% of the national budget, as recommended by the Abuja Declaration, and 5% of the country's GDP as per WHO recommendations.

This proposed increase is crucial in ensuring the availability, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare services, particularly for marginalised communities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who continue to face barriers to quality healthcare.  

In addition to healthcare financing, the report addresses other significant concerns, including: 

• Limited access to comprehensive HIV prevention services for key populations, including prisoners and sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) persons;
• Gaps in tuberculosis (TB) service delivery;
• Limited access to sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents, people with disabilities, people living with HIV, and key populations;
• Mental health service delivery gaps are exacerbated by minimal budget allocation and inadequate infrastructure;
• There is a need for a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital health and rights, leaving this area largely unregulated. 

Adopting the concern and recommendation on healthcare financing in the main report is crucial for driving tangible policy changes in public healthcare provision and ensuring access to healthcare services for people from varied backgrounds.

Our participation reflects our ongoing commitment to advocating for quality public healthcare services through sustainable financing, ensuring that all Kenyans have access to essential health services. 

The UPR process is a peer-review mechanism under the United Nations Human Rights Council that evaluates the human rights performance of all UN member states every four and a half years. Kenya's review in 2025 will allow us to assess progress in the highlighted areas, particularly the right to health.