Githunguri MP and Chairperson of the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC), Gathoni Wamuchomba, has called for an urgent parliamentary session to address the state of Kenya's health system.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula, Wamuchomba raised alarm over the country’s healthcare system.
She is calling for an immediate adjournment of House Business to debate the state of Kenya's health services, which she says is a violation of citizens' constitutional rights to life, dignity, and healthcare.
“The health of every Kenyan is in crisis. The government has failed to deliver on its promise of Universal Health Coverage, and citizens continue to suffer due to poor health infrastructure, lack of essential services, and widespread inefficiencies. It is time Parliament acts," Wamuchomba said.
The MP pointed that the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) pilot programme launched in 2018 in Nyeri, Kisumu, Machakos, and Isiolo counties has not performed as expected, saying it's a key indicator of the system’s dysfunction.
She added that the UHC initiative, which aimed to ensure
affordable healthcare for all Kenyans, encountered numerous setbacks. While
Machakos and Isiolo made limited progress; Nyeri and Kisumu faced
insurmountable challenges and Nyeri eventually dropped out of the pilot due to
financial constraints, she said.
Wamuchomba described the programme as a “failed experiment,” stating, “The pilot never saw any meaningful success, and no lessons were learned to guide its nationwide implementation.”
In the letter, Wamuchomba outlined several systemic issues that plagued the UHC pilot, including alleged mismanagement of funds, a lack of transparency, and poor communication between national and county governments.
She noted that many citizens had little to no information about their enrollment status in the programme.
“Citizens were left in the dark about their enrollment status, and critical information about the program was not made available to them,” Wamuchomba added.
The MP also raised concerns about the broader health system, noting the country’s underfunded and poorly equipped healthcare facilities.
“Our hospitals are in crisis. The lack of medical staff, persistent drug shortages, and outdated equipment have become commonplace,” Wamuchomba said.
She emphasized that merely building new health facilities will not resolve the existing challenges.
“We need to first address the issues in the current system, only then will we see meaningful improvements,” she argued.
In addition, Wamuchomba pointed to the ongoing legal battles over the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), a crucial component of the UHC programme.
In July 2024, the High Court ruled that some provisions of the Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA), the Digital Health Act (DHA), and the Primary Health Care Act (PHCA) were unconstitutional. The court gave Parliament 120 days to amend the provisions.
However, Wamuchomba noted that this critical step is yet to be taken.
“The delay in addressing the constitutional issues surrounding the SHIF is contributing to the continued failure of the healthcare system. The government must act quickly to address the legal challenges and ensure that the new system is both effective and sustainable.” Wamuchomba said
Adding to the urgency of the situation, Wamuchomba pointed out that many counties have yet to sign the necessary agreements to implement the SHIF.
“We cannot afford to delay any longer. Many health facilities are struggling because county governments have not signed the required Intergovernmental Participatory Agreements (IPAs), leaving essential services in limbo,” she stated
The Githunguri MP called on Parliament to take immediate action, urging the House to prioritise a debate on the health crisis and find solutions to the country’s healthcare woes. She has asked that Parliament adjourn its business on November 12, 2024, to allow for this critical discussion.
“Our people are suffering. We must not wait any longer. I urge all MPs to come together and take immediate action to address this crisis,” Wamuchomba concluded.
