Nairobi, Aug. 11 -- The number of established Primary Care Networks (PCNs) across Kenya's 47 counties increased by 22 percent to 277 in the 2025/26 financial year, up from 227 the previous year, as counties expand a system designed to bring services closer to communities.

PCNs bring together health facilities and community-level services within a defined area to improve the coordination of care, referrals and access to essential services. They are intended to make primary healthcare facilities the first point of contact for most routine health needs, allowing patients to receive care closer to home while easing pressure on higher-level hospitals.

Dr Mercy Mwangangi, Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA), said that...