Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has outlined Kenya’s ongoing healthcare reforms and the legislative pathway towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) during the 2026 Legislative Retreat for Members of the National Assembly.
Presided over by Speaker Moses Wetangula, the session provided a platform for the CS to brief Members on the five pillars underpinning Kenya’s UHC agenda and the transformative reforms being implemented by the Ministry of Health.
Duale highlighted progress under the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that over 29 million Kenyans are now registered, with Sh93.4 billion disbursed since the scheme’s rollout.
To expand access to quality Primary Healthcare fully financed by the Government, he said the Ministry is implementing the Green Label Service Charter across public and private health facilities in all 47 counties.
“On health sector digitisation, the CS reported that 10,277 health facilities have been integrated into national digital health systems, supported by 30,087 digital devices distributed nationwide.
“This has enabled real-time data reporting from even the most remote facilities, strengthening transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making,” Duale explained.
Addressing human resources, he confirmed that 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) continue to anchor frontline service delivery nationwide.
He further noted that UHC staff have been remunerated under Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) rates since September 2025, marking a milestone in workforce stability.
On supply chain reforms, Duale outlined ongoing interventions at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), with the national fill rate now standing at 91 percent.
“Through the National Equipment Support Project (NESP), the Government is investing in modern diagnostic and treatment equipment for county hospitals, with KES 6.18 billion in contracts signed to expand access to specialised services,” he announced.
Maternal and newborn health remains a priority under the ‘Every Woman, Every Newborn Everywhere’ (EWENE) agenda and the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), targeting 26 high-burden counties to reduce maternal mortality by strengthening emergency obstetric care and blood services.
Duale also highlighted Kenya’s leadership in Global Health Security through the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) by expanding laboratory networks and Emergency Operations Centres for early detection and response to public health threats.
He urged Parliament to treat health as a whole-of-government priority, calling for coordinated engagement across the Ministries of Interior, ICT, and National Treasury, and strengthened inter-governmental collaboration.
The Ministry is fast-tracking the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025, alongside a comprehensive review and harmonisation of existing health legislation to ensure constitutional compliance and coherent sector implementation.
The CS was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi, and other senior Ministry officials.
By Michael Omondi
