The Government of Kenya on Monday signed a Ksh. 3.28 billion loan agreement with the government of Japan. The money will be used to fund Kenya’s universal healthcare coverage program.
The money will be used to provide expectant mothers free maternal services at all public health facilities, support the health management teams in the various counties, and facilitate capacity building for all activities related to the universal health coverage.
James Macharia, the Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) said the Japanese loan will go a long way in boosting the government’s endeavors to improve the health care qualities to all Kenyans. The CS also said the fund will help the government make universal health care to all Kenyans more feasible. Currently, only 66% of Kenyans have access to universal health care services, which is a far cry from the 90% as set by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Vision 2030.
The CS pointed out to the fact that since the introduction of free maternity services by the government back in 2013. The number of mortality rate has decreased, and the Japanese loan will only improve the situation further.
The deal was signed by the Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich on behalf of the Kenyan government, as Tat-sushi Terada a Japanese Ambassador represented the government of Japan. The Japanese Ambassador said his government will share the lessons and experiences they have gained over the years on universal health coverage. Government of Japan begun providing universal health care services back in 1961.
