NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Health has stepped up efforts to streamline patient care through a new national referral policy aimed at reducing congestion in major hospitals and improving coordination across the healthcare system.
The proposed Kenya Healthcare Referral Policy, currently under development, seeks to ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care at the correct level of the health system, from primary facilities to specialised hospitals.
On March 19, the Ministry convened a multi-stakeholder forum in Nairobi, bringing together national and county officials, healthcare professionals, regulators, and development partners to shape the framework.
Officials say the reforms come in response to growing inefficiencies in the system, particularly the high number of self-referrals to top-tier hospitals, which have strained resources and led to delays in treatment.
“A well-functioning referral system is critical in ensuring patients access care at the right level and are seamlessly referred when specialised services are required,” the Ministry said in a statement.
Kenya’s health sector has faced persistent challenges, including overcrowding at referral hospitals, long waiting times, and uneven distribution of services across counties. Many patients bypass lower-level facilities, even when they can provide adequate care, opting instead for national hospitals.
The new policy aims to reverse this trend by establishing clear referral pathways and strengthening communication between health facilities. It will also introduce standardised procedures for patient transfers and improve feedback mechanisms between referring and receiving providers.
Health experts note that a structured referral system is essential for improving emergency response, ensuring continuity of care, and making efficient use of limited medical resources.
The reforms align with broader health sector changes under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, which underpins Kenya’s push toward Universal Health Coverage. A functional referral system is seen as a key pillar in achieving this goal, particularly at a time when demand for specialised services is rising.
The policy is currently undergoing technical review and stakeholder consultations, with validation expected in the coming months before final adoption.
