Examining healthcare systems: a market analysis for Kenya

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a literature review of the health workforce, hospital and clinic systems, infrastructure, primary care, regulatory climate, the pharmaceutical industry and community health behavior of the Kenyan health-care system with the purpose of providing a thorough background on the health-care environment in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted using Pub Med, searching for “Kenya” in the title of articles published from January 1, 2015 to February 24, 2016; this provided a broad overview of the type of research being conducted in Kenya. Other data provided by governmental agencies and non-governmental agencies was also reviewed to describe the current state of population health in Kenya.

Findings

An initial review of 615 Pubmed articles included 455 relevant articles. A complete review of these studies was conducted, resulting in a final sample of 389 articles. These articles were categorized into three main subject areas with 14 secondary subject areas (Figure 1).

Research limitations/implications

The narrow scope of the search parameters set for the systematic review was a necessary limitation to focus on the most relevant literature. The findings of this study provide a thorough background on health care in Kenya to researchers and practitioners.

Originality/value

This compilation of data specific to Kenya provides a detailed summary of both the country’s health-care services and health status, focusing on potential means of realizing increased quality and length of life.

Citation

Davis, E.C., Menser, T., Cerda Juarez, A., Tomaszewski, L.E. and Kash, B.A. (2019), "Examining healthcare systems: a market analysis for Kenya", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. 43 No. 1/2, pp. 2-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-06-2016-0041