An investigation has found that Kenya's new artificial intelligence-driven healthcare system is systematically increasing costs for the country's poorest patients, contradicting government promises of universal healthcare access.

The AI system, designed to predict how much Kenyans can afford to pay for healthcare services, was launched in October 2024 as part of President William Ruto's key electoral promise to provide all citizens with access to healthcare. The system was intended to replace Kenya's decades-old national insurance framework.

According to the investigation, the algorithm appears to favor wealthier patients while driving up costs for those with limited financial resources. This outcome runs counter to the stated goal of making healthcare more accessible across all economic segments of Kenyan society.

The healthcare reform was introduced amid broader social unrest in the country, with Ruto positioning universal healthcare access as a central policy initiative. The AI-based system represents a significant technological shift in how Kenya approaches healthcare delivery and payment structures.

The findings raise questions about the implementation and calibration of AI systems in healthcare settings, particularly in developing nations where income disparities are substantial. The investigation's results suggest the algorithm may be reinforcing existing inequalities rather than reducing barriers to care for vulnerable populations.