Healthcare in Kenya

Hmmmm...health-care in Kenya is a big topic. From my experience I prefer private than public just because of the conditions. The public hospitals tend to have massive lines, lots of people, poor sanitary environments, and they don't seem like you're getting personal care. They are however MASSIVELY cheaper, and many have actually really great doctors. The other problem I have with public is their lack of streamlining everything....you have to go to one person to register, go to another to pay, see the doc, go pay for lab, go to lab, go back to doc, go pay for drugs, etc.   It takes so much time. Although the private isn't much better, the long queues to do each task are less likely to be encountered. The problem with the privatized health care though is the lack of honest doctors. For example in maternity, some would like to force you to have a c-section just to increase the cost of your bill, not because it is in the best interest of the mother. 
Insurance is definitely worth it.

I echo everything tracymhall said.  Public isn't 'terrible', but the lines are very long.  A simple visit can take HOURS!  The private clinic/hospitals are faster 'cuz the lines are shorter, but they are pretty expensive.  Personally, I'd opt for private. 

My experiences with the Kenya health care system has all been as an interpreter/advocate (for deaf people).  One thing I've learned is that if the treatment for whatever brought you there doesn't solve the problem and you end up going back for further evaluation, you need to be aware that their goal isn't really to figure out what ails you and treat it.  Their goal is to make you feel better.  And if they can't do that, well, you're on your own.  I've found that they will test for the obvious - A, B, C - but if it turns out to not be A, B or C, they're done.  It's up to you to give them hints of what other options could be out there.  Don't expect the doctor to do all the work.

I used the local hospital in homa bay when I broke my arm I had to go home and go back 3days later for an x ray it was never set they just plastered  it. I had to walk a mile to a pharmacy  to get the plaster as they had none in the hospital all.together it cost me 800ksh. Recently I got malaria in Mombasa went to a private clinic was diagnosed and treated in a couple of hours that cost me 3500ksh. So there you have the comparison if you want fast efficient treatment go private if its available.

I have some very comprehensive international Health Insurance. That said, i will use a local clinic/doctor for minor problems. However, recently, after a chest  xray for a cold that would not go away, i had a massive scare from the report of the radiologist, who is NOT cheap. My insurers were typically following their procedures so i went privately to a cardiologist in Mombasa. Full investigation undertaken and a report and the cost was approx 20k.  Eventually my insurers sent me to Nairobi where i had the same investigation costing approx 150,000k. Plus flights plus hotel, plus taxis. RESULT the same as in Mombasa. SO my message is, find a local private doctor and build a relationship of trust. It is good if you are quite 'aware' of what symptoms mean what e.g. urine infection. If in doubt at all then go to a reputable hospital. Always question everything and also check what meds are for before taking them. GOOGLE. It is without doubt a good idea to have medical cover.