A new public opinion poll by Twaweza East Africa says that nine out of 10 Kenyans (92 per cent) think the health sector has problems.
47 per cent of them say the sector is facing major problems, while the other 45 say the problems are minor.
Cost and availability of drugs in health facilities have been mentioned by Kenyans as a significant challenge, (74 and 52 per cent, respectively).
When asked if anyone in their households had been screened for specific non‐communicable diseases (NCDs), 42 per cent of the households report having someone who has been screened for high blood pressure.
This is followed by 29 per cent for diabetes and 25 per cent for any type of cancer.
In terms of diagnosis in the past one year, 30 per cent of households report having someone diagnosed with high blood pressure, 20% with any type of diabetes and 12 per cent unspecified type of cancer.
In relation to emergency health services, half of Kenyans (48 per cent) do not know of an ambulance that can be called to their village/area for an emergency.
Brezhnev Otieno, Advocacy Manager for Kenya, Twaweza, said, “The Constitution of Kenya guarantees every individual the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to health care services. It is unfortunate that many of the citizens expressed concerns with the cost and availability of drugs in hospitals.”
"If these and other challenges related to access and utilization of health services are not addressed effectively, many Kenyans will continue to suffer. Meeting the goal of improving the quality of life for all Kenyans as envisaged in the social pillar of Kenya’s Vision 2030, will almost be unattainable".
More than 60% of Kenyans are unhappy with their county governments’ efforts in the delivery of water services.