Quick Answer
Kenyans have a constitutional right to the highest attainable standard of health. Health services are delivered by county governments and overseen nationally, and since October 2024 health financing runs through the new Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced the NHIF.
Key facts
- The Constitution guarantees a right to health (Article 43).
- County governments run most health facilities; the national level sets policy.
- The Social Health Authority (SHA) replaced NHIF in October 2024.
- Care is organised in levels, from community units to national referral hospitals.
Your right to health
Article 43 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including reproductive health, and says no one may be denied emergency medical treatment.
Who delivers health care
Health is shared between the two levels of government: county governments run most facilities (dispensaries, health centres and county hospitals), while the national government sets policy, regulates the sector and runs national referral hospitals.
Covered in full in the guide on county and national roles below.
How health is financed: SHA
Since 1 October 2024, public health financing runs through the Social Health Authority (SHA) — which replaced the long-standing NHIF — under three funds that pay for primary care, hospital care and catastrophic illness.
Why this matters to you
Health touches every family. Knowing your right to care, who runs your local facility, and how the new SHA system works helps you get the services you are entitled to — and know who is accountable when they fail.
Frequently asked questions
Do Kenyans have a right to health care?
Yes — Article 43 guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health, and no one may be denied emergency treatment.
Who runs hospitals in Kenya?
County governments run most facilities; the national government runs referral hospitals and sets policy.
What replaced NHIF?
The Social Health Authority (SHA), from 1 October 2024.
Sources & references
- Constitution of Kenya 2010, Article 43 — klrc.go.ke
- Social Health Authority — sha.go.ke
- Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 — kenyalaw.org