The Confraternity of Patients Kenya (COFPAK) on Monday urged President William Ruto to prioritise healthcare reforms ahead of the 2026 elections.
The advocacy group cited ongoing strikes, delays in Social Health Authority (SHA) approvals, limited specialised services in Level 5 and Level 6 hospitals, and the exploitation of patients through unsafe practices as major challenges facing the health sector.
COFPAK called for decisive government action to protect citizens and improve service delivery.
The organisation raised concern over persistent labour disputes that continue to disrupt healthcare services nationwide.
It noted that healthcare workers in some counties remain on strike over issues that are legally resolvable through structured dialogue, citing the ongoing Clinical Officers’ strike as a key example.
COFPAK urged the government to address such disputes promptly and fairly to prevent further interruptions in patient care.
The group also called for a firm commitment to building a responsive and efficient SHA, emphasising the need for timely preauthorizations and seamless access to healthcare services.
It warned that delays in approvals directly result in delayed treatment, increased suffering, and, in some cases, loss of life.
According to COFPAK, the Social Health Authority (SHA) must operate transparently and efficiently, without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers, to effectively serve Kenyans.
Another major concern raised was the limited availability of specialized services in Level 5 and Level 6 health facilities.
The group said it was unacceptable that critically ill patients are subjected to long waiting periods or miss treatment opportunities due to limited booking slots at referral hospitals.
COFPAK warned that delayed access to specialized care leads to poor health outcomes and undermines public confidence in the healthcare system.
It called for increased investment in specialized services, infrastructure, and human resources to reduce the need for Kenyans to seek lifesaving treatment abroad.
The organization also demanded stronger protection for patients against exploitation and unsafe healthcare practices.
It urged the Ministry of Health and regulatory bodies to act decisively against unscrupulous entities involved in the distribution of fake or unlicensed medicines and the imposition of exorbitant hospital charges.
Strong enforcement, the group said, is essential to safeguard patient safety, uphold quality standards, and protect vulnerable citizens.
COFPAK concluded by urging the government to prioritize health sector reforms, strengthen service delivery, and ensure accountability at all levels.
It stressed that improving healthcare is not only a policy issue but a moral imperative to protect the lives and dignity of Kenyans.
The group said that by resolving labour disputes, expanding specialized services, improving the efficiency of the SHA, and cracking down on unsafe practices, the Ruto administration can advance Universal Health Coverage and strengthen national health standards ahead of the 2026 elections.
