Kenya is facing growing pressure on its healthcare system, mainly driven by the needs of school-going children and older adults.With over 8.5 million children and 1.

4 million people aged 60 and above, families are increasingly covering high medical costs out of their own pockets, which still make up about 27% of total health spending.

Analysis by Heritage Insurance shows that inpatient admissions for older adults average Sh318,117 per case, while major disease events cost around Sh255,885, highlighting the financial strain of ageing and chronic illnesses like circulatory diseases.

The so-called 'sandwich generation'—working adults supporting both children and ageing parents—faces mounting economic pressure as healthcare shocks hit either group.Traditional insurance models are struggling to meet these age-specific needs, prompting experts to call for more targeted healthcare coverage.Employers, schools, insurers, brokers, and policymakers are urged to coordinate better to improve access and affordability.

Innovative solutions like HeriAfya aim to address these emerging needs, signalling that healthcare products tailored to different life stages may become essential for the Kenyan market.