Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has presented a comprehensive update on Kenya’s health sector performance and progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) during the 29th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The CS reported significant gains under the country’s new health financing framework, noting that the Social Health Authority (SHA) has onboarded 29.4 million Kenyans and mobilised KES 142 billion across its funds since inception.
He also highlighted progress under the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP), where medical equipment valued at KES 6.18 billion has been installed in 126 health facilities nationwide. CS Duale urged governors to sign NESP addendums to unlock operational funding for maintenance, stressing that this step is vital for strengthening specialised services at the grassroots.
On maternal health, the CS revealed that more than 900,000 beneficiaries are currently accessing SHA-supported services. “The Ministry has also assessed Level 2 and Level 3 government and faith-based facilities, with KES 2.04 billion earmarked to initiate and sustain free maternity services at these levels,” he added.
Duale further noted that the Teen Mothers Programme is supporting vulnerable young mothers, with 48,273 registered nationwide.
He also updated the Council on the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), administered through SHA under the Mwalimu Cover, launched on 1 December 2025. According to CS Duale, the scheme provides a comprehensive, digitally enabled benefits package covering inpatient, outpatient, maternity, dental, optical, and emergency evacuation services for teachers and their dependents through an expanded provider network.
To accelerate implementation and address operational challenges, the CS announced the deployment of joint Ministry of Health and SHA ‘County Clinics’ teams to resolve claims and system issues directly at county level. The teams have already visited Kisii, Kisumu, Mombasa, Mandera, Embu, and Makueni.
The CS was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni and Chief Executives Mercy Mwangangi (SHA), Waqo Ejersa (KEMSA), and Anthony Lenayara (Digital Health Agency).
By Michael Omondi
