Kenya launches Afya Bora platform to strengthen health governance

KENYA – The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya has introduced the Afya Bora Platform in a significant move to enhance healthcare governance.

This initiative aims to foster continuous dialogue among diverse stakeholders to address systemic challenges in Kenya’s healthcare sector. ​

The Afya Bora Platform is designed to bring together policymakers, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and citizens.

By facilitating open discussions, the platform seeks to develop innovative solutions to improve healthcare delivery and ensure equitable access to services across the country. ​

Eric Mukoya, Executive Director of ICJ Kenya, emphasized the constitutional right to health, stating that every Kenyan is entitled to the highest attainable standard of health, including access to healthcare services.

This right is enshrined in Article 43(1)(a) of the Kenyan Constitution and reinforced by international legal instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. ​

The launch of the Afya Bora Platform comes at a pivotal time for Kenya’s healthcare system, which is undergoing significant legislative reforms.

Recent enactments, including the Social Health Insurance Act and the Digital Health Act, signal a commitment to overhauling the health sector.

However, challenges persist, necessitating collaborative efforts to ensure effective implementation and accountability. ​

By promoting inclusive participation and fostering transparency, the Afya Bora Platform aims to build a more responsive and resilient healthcare system.