REPORT LAUNCH: Patients or Customers? The impact of commercialised healthcare on the right to health in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic

In recent years, health policies in Kenya have supported the development of market models in healthcare. International development actors have also contributed to higher private health sector involvement. In the meanwhile, between 2013 - 2021, the share of health establishments that are for-profit in Kenya grew from 33% to 43% in less than 10 years. 

Commercialisation is exacerbating inequalities in access to healthcare services

The research report analyses the consequences of these policy choices on the enjoyment of the right to health, with a focus on individuals living in urban informal settlements. Based on interviews and focus group discussions in the informal settlements of Mathare, Mukuru and Dandora in Nairobi, Kenya, the report finds that, while there is disinvestment in public healthcare services for all, the commercialisation of healthcare exacerbates inequalities in accessing healthcare services.

Together with People’s Health Movement Kenya (PHM-Kenya), GI-ESCR is calling for the realisation of the right to health for all through stronger public healthcare services, and a reversal of the growing marketisation of healthcare in the country.

The report was presented at a press conference in Nairobi, Kenya, on 13 April, organised jointly with PHM-Kenya.

Learn more about our work on the Right to Health.