Factors influencing the sustainability of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya: a case of Machakos County

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the factors influencing the sustainability of Universal Health Coverage in Machakos County, Kenya. Universal Health Coverage represents a significant ambition within global health policy, aimed at ensuring all individuals have access to the necessary healthcare services without suffering financial hardship. Machakos County, like many regions in Kenya and other developing countries, faces numerous challenges in achieving and maintaining UHC, including financial constraints, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and disparities in healthcare access. The study specifically aimed to address the following objectives: (i) to determine the effect of management competence on sustainable Universal Health Coverage in Machakos County, Kenya; (ii) to establish the effect of digital technology on sustainable Universal Health Coverage Machakos County, Kenya; (iii) to determine the effect of conflict of interest on sustainable Universal Health Coverage in Machakos County, Kenya; and (iv) to determine the effect of bureaucratic obstacles on sustainable Universal Health Coverage in Machakos County, Kenya. The study was anchored on resource dependence theory and supported by dynamic sustainability theory. The study’s target population comprised of healthcare workers in Machakos County, with a study sample size of 112 (97 healthcare workers and 15 key informants). The primary research tool was structured questionnaire for the health workers and an in-depth interview for the key informants, while SPSS software supported the analysis of descriptive and inferential statistics. Management competence emerged as a significant contributor to sustainability of UHC by establishing structures with conflict of interest being the biggest hindrance to the achievement of sustainable UHC. UHC initiative presents a transformative revolution for the Kenyan healthcare system, aiming to elevate the standard of services provided in both public and private medical establishments. Key words: Sustainability, Universal Health Coverage, Management competence, Digital technology, Conflict of interest, Bureaucratic obstacles.