Taiwan’s World-Class Healthcare System Offers Insights for Kenya’s Ongoing Reforms

Taiwan is internationally recognized for its highly efficient and accessible healthcare system, offering lessons and potential collaboration opportunities for countries like Kenya that are advancing their own health sector reforms.

Taiwan operates under a single-payer National Health Insurance (NHI) system, established in 1995. Today, it covers more than 99% of the island’s population, providing universal access to medical services at affordable rates. Citizens and residents benefit from comprehensive coverage that includes outpatient care, hospitalization, dental treatment, preventive services, and even traditional Chinese medicine. Premiums are income-based, while government subsidies ensure that vulnerable groups remain protected.

What sets Taiwan apart is not only the affordability and inclusivity of its healthcare, but also the integration of digital technology. The NHI card, a smart health card issued to every insured individual, stores essential medical records, reducing administrative burdens and enabling real-time data sharing across hospitals and clinics. Taiwan’s investment in telemedicine, e-prescriptions, and big data analytics further enhances efficiency, quality of care, and epidemic response capacity.

In contrast, Kenya’s healthcare system has made significant progress in recent years under the government’s push for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), but challenges remain. The country operates a mixed system where both public and private providers play a role. While national schemes like the newly restructured Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) aim to expand access, many citizens still face high out-of-pocket expenses, uneven service quality, and shortages of skilled health workers, particularly in rural and remote areas.

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Kenya’s maternal and child health indicators have improved, yet gaps in specialized care, medical infrastructure, and preventive health services remain pressing. The suspension of certain digital health systems in recent years also highlighted the complexities of implementing large-scale reforms.

Comparing the two systems underscores both differences and opportunities. Taiwan demonstrates how strong government leadership, universal enrollment, and technology integration can deliver equitable and high-quality healthcare. Kenya, on the other hand, represents a dynamic system in transition, with ongoing reforms that could benefit from international partnerships, knowledge exchange, and localized adaptation of proven models.

Michael Lin, Director of the Taiwan Trade Center in Nairobi, noted:

“Taiwan’s healthcare model shows how inclusivity and technology can transform national health outcomes. By sharing Taiwan’s experience, we hope to inspire dialogue with partners in Kenya as the country advances its ambitious health reforms.”

As Kenya moves forward with UHC and health system strengthening, Taiwan’s journey offers both inspiration and practical strategies. Through collaboration in smart healthcare technologies, training programs, and policy exchange, both sides can work together toward the shared goal of affordable, accessible, and sustainable healthcare for all.