By KPC Reporter
Health sector stakeholders have urged the government to significantly increase investment in preventive healthcare and supporting infrastructure in the upcoming national budget.
They warned that continued focus on curative care is placing an unsustainable burden on the economy.
The stakeholders argue that if the country is to fully realise the President’s push to shift from curative to preventive healthcare, budget priorities must change accordingly.
They noted that treatment costs currently consume a disproportionately large share of national resources, yet evidence shows that prevention delivers far greater value for money.
Citing sector data, the stakeholders said that in Kenya, every dollar invested in preventive health interventions saves up to five dollars in direct medical costs, underscoring the economic case for prevention-focused spending.
The calls were made during the Afya Nyumbani Stakeholders Breakfast Meeting, an initiative aimed at scaling preventive public health action across all 47 counties by 2026.
The programme has so far reached 12 counties, mobilising communities around improved sanitation, behavioural change, and environmental cleanliness as foundations for better health outcomes.
Speaking at the forum, Dr Neema R. Kimambo from the World Health Organization emphasised that prevention must be backed by visible investments.
She said clean markets, access to safe water, proper sanitation facilities, and well-equipped primary healthcare centres should be clearly reflected in both policy decisions and budget allocations.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni acknowledged the concerns raised, noting that prevention remains central to reducing disease burden and improving quality of life.
She said sustained investment in community-level health systems is critical to achieving long-term national health goals.
On her part, Caroline Kwamboka from African Renaissance described the Epuka Uchafu initiative as a strategic national entry point for Kenya to domesticate the African Union’s 2026 health theme.
She said the focus on clean water and sanitation aligns Kenya’s national financing priorities with continental commitments under African Union Agenda 2063, which seeks universal access to safe water and sanitation.
The stakeholders expressed hope that the forthcoming budget will translate these commitments into tangible funding, allowing the country to decisively shift its healthcare narrative from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.