Kenya's Health Journey: What Can We Learn?

Kenya's push for universal health coverage during President Uhuru Kenyatta's second term, from 2017 to 2022, was a rollercoaster ride. The technical teams behind the reforms had to juggle a lot. They had to stick to the plan while considering past experiences and balancing technical needs with political pressures. Imagine trying to bake a cake while someone keeps changing the recipe! The first big lesson? Seize the day. If you don't act fast, you might miss your chance. It's like catching a bus - if you hesitate, it might leave without you. The technical teams had to make quick decisions and act on them. They had to be ready to adapt and move forward without getting stuck in analysis paralysis. The second lesson is about understanding different perspectives. Not everyone will agree with your decisions, especially those who aren't involved in the technical side. It's like when someone complains about the music but can't dance to it. The technical teams had to balance various needs, from responding to different opinions to making sure their decisions were technically sound and delivered results on time. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it! The third lesson is about not confusing short-term wins with long-term success. Just because you've made some progress doesn't mean you've reached the finish line. It's like a bird that thinks it's flying high but is still on the ground. Kenya has made some big strides in health reforms, but there's still a long way to go. Kenya has a strong political will to keep pushing for health reforms. For other countries looking to do the same, the advice is clear: plan for success, and then get started! It's like building a house - you need a solid plan before you can start laying bricks.