NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health has unveiled a nationwide schedule for public consultations on draft regulations under the Digital Health Act, 2023.
The consultations aim to refine three key regulations addressing health information management, data exchange, and the use of e-health technologies.
In a statement issued Thursday, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa urged Kenyans to actively participate in the process by submitting written comments or attending regional stakeholder forums. The consultation process will run until December 19, 2024.
The ministry has outlined a structured template for feedback submissions, which includes sections for specifying the regulation or clause, raising concerns, providing justification, and offering recommendations.
Written memoranda can be delivered to the Principal Secretary’s office at Afya House in Nairobi or emailed to dhregulations@dha.go.ke.
“The comments, views, and representations should be submitted on or before December 19, 2024, at 5 pm,” Barasa stated.
Draft regulations are accessible on the Ministry of Health website, www.health.go.ke.
Public forums will be held in various regions across the country, starting December 9, 2024.
Sessions will include morning sensitization on the Act and the proposed regulations, followed by afternoon oral submissions.
Key meeting dates and venues include:
1. Upper Eastern Region (Embu, Meru, Isiolo, Marsabit, Tharaka Nithi): Catholic Diocese Hall, Isiolo – December 9.
2. Nyanza Region (Homa Bay, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya): Mama Grace Onyango Cultural and Social Centre, Kisumu – December 9.
3. Central Region (Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua): Nyeri Cultural Hall – December 11.
4. Western Region (Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga): Magharibi Hall, Kakamega – December 11.
5. South Rift Valley Region (Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu): Regional Commissioners Hall, Nakuru – December 13.
6. North Rift Valley Region (Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet): Eldoret County Hall – December 13.
7. Coast Region (Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River): Technical University of Mombasa – December 17.
8. Northeastern Region (Garissa, Wajir, Mandera): ICT Hall, Wajir Town – December 17.
9. Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado: Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), Nairobi – December 19.
10. Lower Eastern Region (Machakos, Kitui, Makueni): Kitui Multi-Purpose Hall – December 19.
All sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Digital Health Act, enacted in October 2023, empowers the Health Cabinet Secretary to draft regulations in consultation with the Digital Health Agency and county governments.
The regulations aim to establish robust frameworks for integrating digital solutions into healthcare delivery.
