Kenya has experienced consistent economic growth in the last decade, leading to its recent
classification as a middle-income country. Sixty-seven percent of Kenya’s 45.5 million people
live in rural areas, and 77 percent of employed Kenyans work in the informal sector (KNBS
2010; IEA 2012). Kenya’s government recognizes health as an important determinant of
economic development and identifies universal health coverage (UHC) as one of the social
pillars of economic prosperity. In 2010, Kenya’s constitution enshrined the right to the highest
attainable standard of health for all, including reproductive health care.
Despite Kenya’s good economic performance, it still faces significant health challenges. Underfive
mortality is still high, at 74 per 1000 live births, while maternal mortality is at 488 per
100,000 live births. Malaria and HIV continue to contribute the highest burden of disease, while
emerging lifestyle conditions such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes threaten to reverse the
health gains made. This has resulted in low productivity which reduces economic growth.