Mbai: Why Kenya’s UHC ambition hinges on hospital equipment, sustainable financing
Kenya's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals are being hindered by a lack of specialized medical equipment and infrastructure in hospitals. Experts emphasize that financing must extend beyond insurance to include capital investment in technology like MRI machines and oncology equipment.
Why it matters
It identifies a critical gap in healthcare policy where funding for access is insufficient if the physical capacity to provide specialized care is missing.
Dr Joseph Mbai, general manager and team leader, health sector at Equity Bank Kenya /HANDOUT
KENYA's ambition to make healthcare a right for every citizen is increasingly confronting a less visible challenge: whether hospitals have the equipment and infrastructure needed to deliver the care patients need.
The issue took centre stage at the Kenya Health Summit 2026, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on August 18–19, where stakeholders examined the progress of health reforms under the theme “Reform Delivered, Health as a Right”.
While much of the Universal Health Coverage debate has focused on financing access to healthcare, expanding insurance coverage and improving how patients are funded, the capacity of health facilities to actually provide specialised treatment is equally critical.
A patient requiring dialysis, cancer treatment, an MRI scan or advanced laboratory testing still needs a facility with the right equipment, regardless of how healthcare is financed.
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