NHS 115; Primary Health Care in Kenya
, PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN KENYA.
Primary health
Definition-Primary health care (PHC) is defined as essential heath care based on practical,
scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and technology, made universally accessible
to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at cost that the
community and country can afford to maintain at every stage of their development in the spirit of
self-reliance and self-determination.
The primary health care strategies in Kenya were initiated not early than 1970s. it was not until
1980s that actionable strategies emerged, emphasizing decentralization, intersectoral
collaboration and community participate in health. Following two decades of policy changes and
learning, the Kenya Essential Package for Health concept was adopted in 2005. However, the
country has not had a policy document or guidelines on primary health care. This has led to,
among other challenges, a top-bottom approach in designing and implementing health programs
where there is no meaningful community participation. Some programs are still vertical and
linkage with the community level, a critical platform for preventive and promotive health, has
been weak. Given that health services are devolved in Kenya, and with the inclusion of universal
health coverage as one of the ‘Big Four’ agenda in Kenya’s socioeconomic transformation, there
is need to shift our focus from the costly and often inaccessible curative services to preventive
and promotive health services. It was formed to achieve various aims discussed below.
Development of the Kenya Primary Health Care Strategy 2019-2024
The development of the PHC strategy was informed by the existing gap that was realized when
UHC was announced as one of the ‘Big Four Agenda’ through a presidential executive order. With
the absence of the driver of UHC, then the idea of development of a PHC strategic plan was born.
The process commenced through consultative approach with partners and county governments. A
team comprising of different departments and divisions in the Ministry of Health together with
key stakeholders was brought together. A drafting team was selected and with inputs from all the
members, a draft strategy was developed with reference to the Universal Health Coverage roadmap
, PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN KENYA.
Primary health
Definition-Primary health care (PHC) is defined as essential heath care based on practical,
scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and technology, made universally accessible
to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at cost that the
community and country can afford to maintain at every stage of their development in the spirit of
self-reliance and self-determination.
The primary health care strategies in Kenya were initiated not early than 1970s. it was not until
1980s that actionable strategies emerged, emphasizing decentralization, intersectoral
collaboration and community participate in health. Following two decades of policy changes and
learning, the Kenya Essential Package for Health concept was adopted in 2005. However, the
country has not had a policy document or guidelines on primary health care. This has led to,
among other challenges, a top-bottom approach in designing and implementing health programs
where there is no meaningful community participation. Some programs are still vertical and
linkage with the community level, a critical platform for preventive and promotive health, has
been weak. Given that health services are devolved in Kenya, and with the inclusion of universal
health coverage as one of the ‘Big Four’ agenda in Kenya’s socioeconomic transformation, there
is need to shift our focus from the costly and often inaccessible curative services to preventive
and promotive health services. It was formed to achieve various aims discussed below.
Development of the Kenya Primary Health Care Strategy 2019-2024
The development of the PHC strategy was informed by the existing gap that was realized when
UHC was announced as one of the ‘Big Four Agenda’ through a presidential executive order. With
the absence of the driver of UHC, then the idea of development of a PHC strategic plan was born.
The process commenced through consultative approach with partners and county governments. A
team comprising of different departments and divisions in the Ministry of Health together with
key stakeholders was brought together. A drafting team was selected and with inputs from all the
members, a draft strategy was developed with reference to the Universal Health Coverage roadmap
