Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale met with a delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) today to discuss two priority health initiatives aimed at accelerating Kenya’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The delegation was led by Dr. Alex Mubiru.
The discussions focused on proposals to establish Level VI Referral and Teaching Hospitals in Bungoma and Kericho counties. The planned facilities are designed to decentralize specialized healthcare services, reduce long-distance referrals, and decongest national referral hospitals.
The AfDB team highlighted the urgency of these investments, citing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, trauma cases, and medical emergencies. CS Duale commended the bank for a well-structured, systems-based programme that integrates specialized service delivery, health workforce development, health systems strengthening, and robust programme management to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
“Following a review of the draft aide-mémoire, the Government and AfDB are addressing outstanding technical issues,” said Duale, requesting AfDB support for feasibility studies for the two hospitals, potentially through the East African Kidney Institute (EAKI) loan facility. He also called for an expedited appraisal and approval process, targeting completion before March 2026.
“The proposed projects align with the health agenda of President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and directly support UHC, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and Kenya Vision 2030,” Duale stated. He emphasised that the initiatives will strengthen primary healthcare, expand access to specialized services, modernize health infrastructure, and promote equity in healthcare delivery across regions.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its role as the executing agency, committing to sound governance, accountability, climate-smart and gender-responsive planning, and sustainable financing. AfDB remains a key development partner as Kenya continues to roll out quality, accessible healthcare for all.
CS Duale was accompanied by the Director-General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, and senior Ministry officials during the consultative discussions.
By Michael Omondi
