Empirical Analysis of Possible Alternative Sustainable Financing Options for Primary Health Care Services in Kenya

–The Kenya government has over the years reiterated its commitment towards the provision of quality primary health care (PHC) to her populace. The various macroeconomic performance experienced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, however affected the government’s ability to sustain the continued provision of PHC. This is not only demonstrated by the high out-of-pocket spending but also low budgetary allocation currently estimated at less than ten (10) percent. The funding levels have negatively affected the ability of the poor to access primary health care while the quality of health care provided has equally been a concern as witnessed by high incidences of lack of essential drugs and other medical supplies, low morale amongst the health personnel involved in the provision of primary health care, lack of medical equipments in most facilities and skewness in the deployment of staff countrywide. The objective of the study was therefore to examine the various alternative financing mechanisms to mitigate against the trends, Since various financing mechanisms have been suggested for consideration. In the study it was found that providers of these services prefer financing mechanisms that pool funds together to ensure that the poor and other vulnerable are cushioned against the catastrophic health expenditure. Other mechanisms favored included establishment of specific taxes to finance health care, and where possible consider issuance of health infrastructure bonds to facilitate construction of modern health facilities across the country within the decentralized framework of counties. Although these mechanisms sound promising, their success will depend not only on political and leadership commitment but also on the ability to identify the poor and where possible provide the necessary safety nets such as waivers and exemptions. It will also be necessary to establish the necessary legal framework that will spearhead the collection and management of the funds collected. Keywords–– Primary health care, financing mechanisms, Prepayment schemes, catastrophic health