Struggle for ambulances leaves lives at risk as Kenya unveils emergency response plan

Kenya is rolling out a national ambulance dispatch service under SHA to improve emergency response as patients continue to face life-threatening delays caused by ambulance shortages.

By Mercy Kahenda 7 days ago

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Snakebite tragedy exposes patients' struggle as Laikipia nurses strike intensifies

At around 9.30 am, as 46-year-old Eunice Kapuria got ready for church, she heard the boy who had been basking outside the house, cry out in pain.A snake had bitten him on the arm.

By Mercy Kahenda 8 days ago

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Your bread, biscuits could contain harmful fats, experts warn

Health experts are warning that commonly consumed processed foods such as bread, biscuits and pastries may contain harmful industrial trans fats.

By Mercy Kahenda 8 days ago

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Why plans to visit US-backed Ebola in Laikipia were postponed

A planned parliamentary visit to the US-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base has been postponed as health experts urge Kenya to strengthen Ebola preparedness.

By Mercy Kahenda 8 days ago

Patients demand answers over expired ARVs

People living with HIV are demanding answers over how expired antiretroviral (ARV) medicines got to be distributed in public hospitals.

By Mercy Kahenda 9 days ago

Too young to be mothers: Inside Kenya's teenage pregnancy crisis

The growing number of teenage pregnancies has prompted community organisations to intervene where families and public institutions have fallen short.

By Mercy Kahenda 10 days ago

People living with HIV demand supply of quality ARVs

People living with HIV are demanding constant supply of quality and standard Antiretroviral (ARVs).

By Mercy Kahenda 13 days ago

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Outcry as people living with HIV receive expired ARVs amid acute drug shortages

People living with HIV have raised alarm over being issued expired or limited supplies of key antiretroviral drugs amid reported shortages.

By Mercy Kahenda 15 days ago

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Newborns at risk of acquring HIV as the country runs out of preventive drugs

At birth, the babies are put on zidovudine and nevirapine, (prophylaxis) drugs that prevent transmission of HIV from mother to child.

By Mercy Kahenda 15 days ago

Experts warn over rising diabetes and obesity as new treatment launched

Health experts have raised concern over the growing burden of diabetes, obesity and related metabolic disorders in Kenya.

By Mercy Kahenda 15 days ago

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Taking Charge: How self-care is helping people living with HIV thrive

Treatment adherence, nutrition and mental health improve long-term HIV treatment outcomes together.

By Mercy Kahenda 18 days ago

Dr Lishenga quits as RUPHA chair after taking on SHA leadership

The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) Chairman, Dr Brian Lishenga, has stepped down.

By Mercy Kahenda 21 days ago

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Wrangling on placement and payment of ex-NHIF employees

Hundreds of former NHIF employees remain unpaid and without confirmed placements months after their deployment following the transition to the Social Health Authority.

By Mercy Kahenda 21 days ago

Viagra, HIV test kits among counterfeit medical products flooding Kenyan market

Counterfeit viagra, HIV rapid diagnostic test kits, and dialysis meds are among the falsified medical products circulating in Kenya.

By Mercy Kahenda 21 days ago

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How persistent gaps continue to undermine Kenya's health reforms

Despite sweeping reforms under the UHC agenda and the rollout of SHA, Kenya’s health sector continues to struggle with funding gaps, staff shortages and systemic inefficiencies.

By Mercy Kahenda 22 days ago

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New digital system will improve hospital services, says Duale

The government has ordered all public hospitals to migrate to a new digital health system aimed at improving efficiency, reducing fraud and enhancing patient care under UHC.

By Mercy Kahenda 23 days ago

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Kenya's prolific blood donor hits 111 donations

Kenya’s most prolific blood donor, Alpha Kennedy Sanya, has reached 111 donations while inspiring thousands of others to give blood and helping address the country’s chronic shortages.

By Mercy Kahenda 23 days ago

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How SHA system glitches are disrupting hospitals

Persistent technical failures in the Social Health Authority system, including OTP delays and portal downtime, have disrupted hospital operations and slowed patient care across Kenya.

By Mercy Kahenda 23 days ago

Nigerian takes over leadership of global organisation

Nigerian engineer Olayinka Hakeem Babalola will become the second African president of Rotary International, focusing on peacebuilding, public health and polio eradication.

By Mercy Kahenda 23 days ago

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He fled war at 10, now silently heals young minds in Kakuma schools

Many refugee teachers face similar barriers — limited career progression, remuneration that often falls short of their qualifications, and a persistent feeling of exclusion.

By Mercy Kahenda 25 days ago

Kenya's health system put to test amid Ebola preparedness

The plan for an Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base to manage Americans exposed to the disease has reignited debate about Kenya's capacity to handle such outbreaks.

By Mercy Kahenda 25 days ago

Experts back digitalisation in healthcare as key tool in achieving UHC

Health experts are increasingly advocating for the use of digital technologies and data-driven systems to improve healthcare delivery.

By Mercy Kahenda 27 days ago

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How communities are leading fight against malaria, TB and HIV

Health experts have said communities have helped drive down infections and improve treatment outcomes in eliminating the diseases.

By Mercy Kahenda 27 days ago

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Young people fuelling new HIV Infections despite Kenya's gains, warns NSDCC

While Kenya has significantly reduced HIV infections and expanded treatment access over the past four decades, health officials warn that rising infections among young people threaten progress.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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Ageing and ailing: The rising cost of growing old

Even as Kenya pushes towards universal health coverage, many senior citizens continue to shoulder a significant portion of their medical expenses, often forcing families into debt.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Alarm over rising HIV cases among Kenyan youth

Data from the council shows that young people aged between 15 and 24 years accounted for 41 per cent of all new HIV infections in 2025.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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SHA hasn't paid healthcare centres Sh5.5b since February, say workers

Health facilities claim SHA owes Sh5.5 billion in unpaid claims since February, causing drug shortages, unpaid staff and disrupted patient care.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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Why couples should undergo medical screening before "I do"

The story highlights infertility stigma and undiagnosed genetic risks, urging premarital screening to prevent avoidable reproductive and health tragedies in Kenya.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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Health spending rises by Sh37b to plug donor gap

The Health docket has been allocated an additional Sh37 billion, which is the largest increase in Kenya’s history, pushing its total budget to Sh177.5 billion.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Health spending plan rises to Sh175.5 billion amid donor cuts

The health docket has been allocated Sh175.5 billion in the 2026/27 Budget Estimates, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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Boys step up to end period stigma, restore dignity for girls in slum

In Nairobi’s informal settlements, boys are increasingly helping to break menstrual stigma by supporting girls, promoting menstrual health education and advocating for dignity.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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Laikipia residents set to hold protests against Ebola facility

Residents of Laikipia County have announced plans to protest the establishment of an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Why Stephen Irungu is teaching boys about menstrual health

Menstrual health advocate Steve Irungu is challenging stigma in Nairobi’s informal settlements by educating boys and girls about menstruation.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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Cancer survivors inspire hope amid emotional, financial toll

Cancer survivor Derick Omondi shared his battle with recurrent sarcoma, highlighting the emotional, physical and financial toll of the disease as survivors and doctors urged early detection.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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Concerns rise over Kenya Ebola response capacity

Preparations at the Laikipia facility are reportedly in high gear, with US medical experts said to have arrived in the country to support its establishment.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Citizen-led initiatives restore vital natural ecosystems and livelihoods

A Bungoma environmentalist is leading initiatives to revive indigenous fruit trees.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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Equipment for Laikipia Ebola quarantine facility jets in from US

Reports indicate that equipment and experts from the United States have arrived in Laikipia to set up a controversial Ebola quarantine facility, despite a court order halting the project.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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We won't listen: Duale says Ebola plan unstoppable as MPs query deal

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has vowed to ignore public opposition and a court order on the establishment of a quarantine facility for Americans exposed the Ebola virus.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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Experts raise safety concerns over US Ebola treatment facility

The 50-bed facility, intended to serve Americans exposed to Ebola, is set to be established at Laikipia Airbase.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

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Lobby groups warn of new nicotine products fuelling child addiction

Public health groups have warned that emerging nicotine products are driving youth addiction and are urging Parliament to strengthen regulations through the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago