Family is the first essential cell of human society, and their collective health and well-being directly influence a nation’s development. Recognising this, the United Nations Day for Families this year emphasises “Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development,” urging governments to adopt inclusive policies that cater to the diverse needs of families.
With less than five years left to meet our 2030 commitments, Kenya must look beyond Linda Mama’s gains in free maternal care and tackle the full spectrum of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Under target 3.7, we must ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including family planning, fertility treatments like In vitro fertilisation (IVF) and surrogacy, affordable contraception, safe abortion where legal, and comprehensive reproductive health education.
Kenya’s family structures are evolving. According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, single-parent households increased from 25% in 2009 to 38% in 2019. This shift underscores the necessity for policies that support various family structures, including those formed through assisted reproductive technologies.
Infertility is a pressing concern that affects many families in Kenya. Despite the emotional and social implications, access to fertility treatments remains limited. This is due to high costs and a lack of sufficient policy support. According to Fertility World, the cost of IVF in Kenya ranges from Ksh 430,000 to Ksh 480,000 per cycle, making it inaccessible for many, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. The financial burden associated with these treatments can be overwhelming, leading many couples to forego seeking help altogether.
The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) was introduced to broaden healthcare coverage and plays a pivotal role in addressing these gaps. While SHIF currently covers maternity services, the exclusion of fertility treatments limits its effectiveness in providing comprehensive reproductive health. Expanding SHIF coverage to include these essential services would significantly advance Kenya’s commitment to universal healthcare.
Article 43 of Kenya’s Constitution explicitly recognises the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including reproductive health. Despite this constitutional guarantee, it remains unfulfilled for many Kenyans due to the lack of practical policy implementations necessary to ensure comprehensive reproductive health services are available. Therefore, policy reforms are essential to place comprehensive SRHR at the core of healthcare initiatives, ensuring that these services are available, accessible, and of high quality for all individuals, regardless of their economic background.
Despite SHIF not covering these treatments, most private health insurance companies in Kenya also fail to provide coverage for these essential services. In addition to this gap, private insurers often impose restrictive clauses, such as waiting periods, further limiting access to fertility treatments and other SRHR services. This leaves individuals and families with few options, exacerbating existing inequalities and forcing many to pay out-of-pocket for critical reproductive healthcare.
The absence of clear legal frameworks governing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) further complicates matters. Without regulation, prospective parents face significant vulnerabilities, including potential exploitation. A robust legal framework is urgently required to protect all parties involved and ensure ethical and equitable access to these critical reproductive services.
Addressing these gaps in SRHR services is important for a sustainable family-oriented policy. A healthcare system that restricts reproductive health options based on financial capability inevitably fosters inequality. For Kenya to genuinely embrace family-oriented policies that promote sustainable development, affordable and accessible SRHR must be prioritised within its healthcare framework. Expanding public health insurance coverage to encompass fertility treatments and comprehensive contraceptive care, along with establishing clear regulatory frameworks, is essential. In addition, establishing clear regulatory frameworks will ensure ethical practices, enhance availability, and promote health equity across all Kenyan families.
Ultimately, supporting families requires a comprehensive approach to reproductive health that explicitly acknowledges and protects family diversity. When individuals and families have access to essential reproductive services, recognised through inclusive laws and policies, their overall health, well-being, and contributions to society significantly improve. It is time for Kenya to take decisive action, ensuring no family is left behind in pursuing sustainable and equitable development.
Sarah Nyakio is a communications consultant and Human Rights Advocate at The Legal Caravan.
