Kenya faces looming health worker shortage as demand outpaces supply

 Healthcare workers protesting outside Afya House demanding transition to permanent and pensionable terms on April 1, 2025. Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

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.