KAI Supports the Right to Health

The Kenya Association of Intellects (KAI) strongly affirms that access to health is not a privilege—it is a fundamental human right guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya (Article 43). Every Kenyan, regardless of income, gender, age, or location, deserves quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare.

Why the Right to Health Matters

Health is the foundation of social and economic well-being. Without good health, individuals cannot work, study, or contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. When healthcare is denied or delayed, it deepens poverty and inequality, especially for the marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Kenya’s Constitutional and Legal Framework

• Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010: Every person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including reproductive healthcare.
• Article 53: Children have the right to basic nutrition, shelter, and healthcare.
• Article 56: Minority and marginalised groups must be provided with reasonable access to health services.
• Universal Health Coverage (UHC) commitments: Kenya has pledged to achieve health for all as part of its national development agenda.

Challenges Facing the Right to Health

• High cost of medical services and medicines.
• Shortages of healthcare workers and poor distribution across counties.
• Underfunding of public health facilities.
• Exploitation by private insurers and healthcare providers.
• Marginalisation of rural, poor, and vulnerable communities.

KAI’s Commitment

KAI is committed to:

1. Advocacy for Affordable Healthcare – pushing for lower costs of essential medicines and services.
2. Accountability – monitoring how public funds for healthcare are spent and demanding transparency.
3. Equity – ensuring marginalised communities and persons with disabilities are not left behind.
4. Public Participation – promoting citizen involvement in health policy and budget decisions.
5. Protection Against Exploitation – holding insurers, providers, and agencies accountable when they deny or delay care.

Conclusion

Healthcare is not just about hospitals or medicine—it is about dignity, equality, and justice. KAI stands with all Kenyans in defending the Right to Health and will continue to push for a health system that serves everyone fairly.

A healthy nation is a strong nation. Protecting health is protecting life.