The government has unveiled Kenya’s first National Surgical Services Strategic Plan (2026–2031), positioning expanded access to safe and affordable surgical care at the centre of efforts to strengthen the health system and advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The strategy was launched by the Ministry of Health during the Surgical Society of Kenya Annual Scientific Conference, marking a major policy milestone aimed at improving surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia services across all levels of care.
Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga said the plan provides a “bold, costed roadmap” aligned with UHC goals, with a focus on reducing preventable deaths and improving patient outcomes, particularly in underserved regions.
“Surgical care remains a critical pillar of quality healthcare,” Oluga said, highlighting reforms anchored on health financing, commodity security, digitalisation, and workforce development.
A key enabler of the strategy is the Social Health Authority, under which nearly 29 million Kenyans are now registered, expanding access to healthcare services and enhancing financial protection for patients.
The five-year plan outlines targeted interventions to address long-standing gaps in surgical services. These include scaling up the surgical workforce, expanding infrastructure, strengthening referral systems, and integrating surgical indicators into national health information systems.
It also emphasises enhanced coordination between national and county governments, as well as collaboration with professional bodies, the private sector, and development partners.
Oluga also urged healthcare professionals to adopt digital innovation to improve service delivery and data management, noting that technology will play a key role in monitoring progress and ensuring accountability under the plan.
The launch was attended by senior figures in the medical field, including Prof. Odula, President of the Surgical Society of Kenya, and the society’s Chair of Chairmen, Dr Mwachiro, alongside representatives from national and county governments.
