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A majority —69 per cent— of Kenyans are unaware of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) roll out, a new survey shows. 

 A nationwide perception study on UHC conducted by Infotrak indicated that awareness of the programme is highest in regions with a UHC pilot county.

 “Only 31 per cent reported to be aware of the UHC programme.  There exists knowledge gaps/misconceptions on how the programme works,” said Infotrak chief executive Angela Ambitho.

President Uhuru Kenya launched UHC pilot project in four countries; Isiolo, Nyeri, Machakos and Kisumu.

 Nyanza has the highest awareness of UHC at 45 per cent followed by Central 40  per cent, Eastern 36 per cent and Nairobi at 33 per cent.

 With less than 50 per cent coverage in counties under pilot project, Ambitho termed it a failure though the government has time to redeem it.

The poll sponsored by the People’s Health Movement-Kenya (PHM-Kenya) added that only about four in every 10 Kenyans (42 per cent) in the UHC pilot counties mentioned that they are registered for the programme. UHC registration is highest amongst the older age cohorts.

Whereas 76 per cent of the respondents have reportedly spent nothing while using UHC for treatment, some respondents reported having spent money on medical services while registered for UHC.