Company-sponsored medical costs in Kenya surged by 13 percent last year, exceeding the global average, leading employers to shift more of the financial burden onto employees through increased co-payments and premium contributions. This trend, projected to reach 13.5 percent in 2026, is driven by rising healthcare expenses, including higher labor costs, doctor and hospital fees, and the demand for new, costly drugs. Major Kenyan companies like KCB Group, NCBA, and Co-operative Bank of Kenya have reported significant increases in their annual medical expenditures. To counter these escalating costs, businesses are negotiating with insurers, exploring competitive bidding through RFPs, and implementing strategies such as wellness programs, flexible benefits, and tighter eligibility rules.