Research Papers
Implications of Kenya’s Enhanced Public Officers Medical Scheme on Equity in Strategic Purchasing and Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage
Kenya’s transition from NHIF to SHA aimed to advance equitable universal health coverage, but the introduction of POMSF for public officers raises equity concerns. While POMSF may improve financial protection and access for beneficiaries, its separate financing, benefits and purchasing arrangements could fragment risk pools, weaken redistribution and create unequal entitlements. Strong integration with SHA through harmonised financing, purchasing, tariffs, referral systems and accountability is therefore essential to prevent a two-tier health system and protect progress towards equitable UHC.
