From February 18–21, 2025, KELIN joined 23 Kenyan civil society organizations (CSOs) at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) pre-session in Geneva1, engaging with diplomatic missions and UN agencies to advocate for stronger health rights in Kenya. The discussions centered on the findings and recommendations from the Right to Health CSO Stakeholder Report2, submitted to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in October 2024. The report highlights six key areas: health financing, HIV prevention, TB treatment, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), mental health, and digital health, offering targeted, action-oriented recommendations.
The UPR is a critical UN mechanism that reviews the human rights records of member states every 4.5 years. Kenya’s 57th session review, set for May 2025, presents a unique opportunity for CSOs to hold the government accountable for its human rights obligations and push for reforms that align national policies with international standards.
KELIN’s Executive Director, Mr. Allan Maleche, and Program Officer, Ms. Elsie Milimu, underscored the urgent need for Kenya to increase its health budget to at least 5% of its Gross Domestic Product, as recommended by the World Health Organization. They also called for the equitable, transparent, and accountable implementation of the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), following its transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in October 2024. This call comes at a critical time, as shifts in international funding — including the United States’ withdrawal from the WHO and suspension of foreign aid — pose significant risks to Kenya’s heavily donor-reliant health programs. With over 70% of Kenya’s HIV, TB, and malaria programs funded by international donors, these changes could severely impact access to essential medicines and SRHR services for adolescents, persons with disabilities, people living with HIV, and key populations.
During a visit to Kenya’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, KELIN and partner CSOs presented their recommendations. Ambassador Dr. Fancy Too reaffirmed the government’s commitment to finding solutions to the challenges posed by reliance on donors to fund health programs and pledged that Kenya’s dedication to human rights will be evident in its upcoming UPR review.
KELIN remains committed to advocating for the right to health and using international platforms like the UPR to push for national reforms.
Stay engaged with KELIN’s advocacy efforts through our website and social media platforms.
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
Twitter(X): @KELINKenya.
For more information please contact, Elsie Milimu,
Program Officer- SRHR, Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network on HIV/AIDS(KELIN),
Email: elsiemilimu@kelinkenya.org
