Examining the Technical Efficiency of the Healthcare System in Kenya

This study assessed the efficiency of Kenya’s health sector by examining the relationship between health system inputs and health outcomes. Guided by a conceptual framework that links health financing, workforce availability, and infrastructure to outputs such as maternal and infant health outcomes and immunization coverage, the analysis used data from the National and County Health Budget Analysis FY 2023/24, the Kenya Health Facility Census 2023, and the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022. Descriptive statistics revealed that health sector allocations remain below the Abuja Declaration threshold of 15%, averaging less than 10% of total government spending, with recurrent expenditure absorbing the largest share. Workforce distribution remains inequitable, with only 12 counties meeting WHO-recommended densities, and bed capacity is concentrated in Level 4 facilities. These disparities were associated with mixed performance in maternal mortality, infant mortality, and immunization coverage, with some counties lagging. The findings underscore the need to optimize existing resources, strengthen health system capacity, and address county-level inequities. Consistent with the Grossman model, the results highlight that investments in health inputs are critical for improving population health and advancing progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).