Kenya faces looming health worker shortage as demand outpaces supply

Kenya is facing a critical shortage of healthcare workers that threatens to derail the country’s plan to deliver universal health coverage, according to a recent assessment by the World Health Organization.

The country currently produces 7,650 new health workers each year, yet it needs 70,000 more to ensure all Kenyans can access care. The shortage is expected to grow by more than 114,000 by 2030 and could reach 170,000 by 2035 if urgent action is not taken to increase training and hiring.

Kenya’s rapidly growing population, projected to exceed 63 million by 2030, is contributing to the demand for healthcare services. While the health workforce is growing at an annual rate of 3.4 per cent, demand for services is rising faster, at 4.7 per cent.

The situation comes as the government recently announced a Sh 38.7 billion budget cut to the health sector  that could affect the delivery of essential services.

Desta Lakew, Group Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at AMREF Health Africa, noted that Kenya’s journey toward universal health coverage relies on primary healthcare systems that require sufficient staffing.

“The five transformative health laws passed in 2023 have laid a robust foundation, ensuring equitable access to services, sustainable financing, interoperable digital systems and a people-centred, data-driven health system,” said Lakew.

“My hope is that these structures will attract greater political goodwill and innovation toward scalable, people-first solutions that can be replicated across Africa.”

The Ministry of Health has previously said it plans to address the workforce deficit by expanding medical education, improving training for laboratory science and creating incentives for rural practice. However, healthcare professionals have raised concerns that without adequate funding, these plans may not translate into real improvements.

Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director for Informa Markets, explained that the gap in healthcare workers risks slowing Kenya’s progress in achieving its healthcare goals.

“Without enough doctors, nurses and laboratory professionals, Kenya’s health system cannot scale up to meet the growing demand for care,” said Coleman.