By M, KNA
Kenya is undergoing a historic transformation of its health system, anchored on rights, equity, and self-reliance, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said.
Duale made the remarks while presenting the 2026 Budget Policy Statement for the State Department for Medical Services to the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, chaired by Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare for all Kenyans.
The CS noted that under the Fifth Administration, three landmark laws—the Social Health Insurance Act, the Primary Healthcare Act, and the Digital Health Act—have fundamentally reshaped the country’s health architecture, guaranteeing care regardless of income, location, or circumstance.
He highlighted the rapid maturation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), whose three funds—the Primary Health Care Fund, the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, and the Social Health Insurance Fund—are expanding protection for vulnerable groups while redefining the relationship between the State and citizens.
“The 2026 Budget Policy Statement prioritises six strategic investment areas to advance Universal Health Coverage. National referral hospitals are recording major clinical milestones, including complex surgeries, transplants, oncology sessions, PET scans, radiosurgeries, and expanded mental health services, enabling Kenyans to access world-class care locally,” announced Duale.
Duale also underscored investments in the Kenya BioVax Institute and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), positioning the country as a regional hub for health product manufacturing and biomedical research. This includes production of diagnostic kits, expanded laboratory capacity, and cutting-edge scientific publications.
He added that the Digital Health Agency is fast-tracking digitisation of health services through telemedicine expansion, strengthening the National Health Data Centre, and enhancing patient data protection.
At the same time, reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) are improving the reliability of medicine supply chains and ensuring last-mile delivery nationwide.
Duale called on the Committee to support increased health sector funding, enhanced domestic resource mobilisation, resolution of inherited liabilities, legislative harmonisation, and protection of health allocations, noting that Kenya has a rare opportunity to emerge as a self-determining health nation.
The CS was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and ministry CEOs and technical heads.
