The National Equipment Service Programme (NESP) since its rollout in February 2025, has equipped 213 health facilities across 43 counties, supported by an investment of Sh7.3 billion, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving patient outcomes nationwide.
The initiative has been strengthened by the signing of a cooperation framework to accelerate delivery of the NESP bringing together national referral hospitals, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the Digital Health Agency (DHA).
The framework was signed during a meeting convened by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale with NESP vendors led by Richard Ngatia, marking a key step in strengthening coordination, accountability, and deployment of advanced medical equipment across the country.
The agreement establishes a clear roadmap for institutional roles, joint planning, and integrated implementation, reinforcing the rollout of the programme launched by President William Ruto in August 2025.
NESP operates on a fee-for-service model under the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Council of Governors, aimed at ensuring sustainability while enhancing collaboration between national and county governments.
The seven-year programme is focused on expanding access to modern diagnostic and treatment equipment, particularly at the grassroots level, to address longstanding gaps in specialised care and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
To reinforce implementation, the framework introduces a structured coordination mechanism, including bi-weekly joint reviews, monthly vendor engagements, and a one-month Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to fast-track delivery and resolve bottlenecks.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, NESP Coordinator Isaac Kimani, Council of Governors representative Khatra Ali, Digital Health Agency CEO Anthony Lenayara, chief executives of national referral hospitals, and other Ministry officials.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
