NAIROBI, Kenya — Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government’s push to deepen collaboration with private and faith-based providers as Kenya accelerates reforms toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking at the Kenya Healthcare Federation CEO Forum in Nairobi, Duale said the private sector remains central to delivering accessible and quality healthcare services.
“No meaningful progress can be achieved without sustained collaboration,” he said, positioning partnerships as a cornerstone of the government’s health strategy under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Duale outlined four priority pillars shaping ongoing reforms: sustainable financing through the Social Health Authority (SHA), expanded investment in primary healthcare and workforce, strengthened commodity security and local manufacturing, and accelerated digital transformation.
He revealed that SHA has already disbursed Sh137.4 billion, with a significant portion supporting private and faith-based facilities, enabling millions of Kenyans to access both primary and specialised care.
While commending providers for adopting the SHA digital platform, the CS issued a warning against malpractice.
“Accountability remains non-negotiable,” Duale said, cautioning that overcharging and fraudulent practices would attract enforcement action.
The remarks come amid recent complaints from patients, including civil servants, over denied services and unexpected out-of-pocket charges—issues that have exposed operational gaps in the evolving health financing model.
On medical supply chains, Duale noted that Kenya imports about 70Pc of its health products, leaving the country vulnerable to global disruptions.
He said the government is working to address this through integrated digital supply systems, strengthening the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), and promoting local manufacturing.
The CS also pointed to ongoing regulatory reforms at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), aimed at reducing approval timelines and addressing delays in import permits.
Efforts are underway to streamline licensing requirements and create a more predictable investment environment.
Among upcoming legislative measures is the proposed Quality of Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, alongside plans to establish a unified national emergency medical service.
To strengthen oversight and coordination, Duale announced plans to institutionalise a biannual ministerial stakeholders forum, supported by structured workstreams and a quarterly accountability framework.
As Kenya advances its UHC agenda, the government faces the dual challenge of mobilising investment while addressing systemic inefficiencies that have historically undermined public trust in the healthcare system.
