NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health has stepped up efforts to accelerate the implementation of Kenya’s digital health transformation programme after senior government officials and key implementing agencies reviewed progress on the rollout of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) digital ecosystem.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Healthcare IT Digitization Programme Steering Committee, bringing together representatives from the Safaricom Consortium, the Digital Health Authority (DHA), the Social Health Authority (SHA), the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) and other implementing agencies.
The meeting assessed progress made in delivering key components of the government’s Digital Health agenda, which is expected to support the implementation of Taifa Care and strengthen access to Universal Health Coverage across the country.
According to the Ministry, the Steering Committee reviewed the implementation status of major project milestones, evaluated governance and coordination mechanisms, and discussed measures aimed at accelerating programme delivery.
The discussions also focused on strengthening project governance, streamlining milestone implementation and certification processes, improving inter-agency collaboration, and addressing emerging technical, contractual, financial and operational challenges.
Dr. Oluga underscored the need for strong governance and accountability throughout the implementation process, saying close collaboration among all partners would be critical to delivering the programme on schedule.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing a secure, interoperable and resilient digital health ecosystem capable of supporting Taifa Care while advancing the country’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
“The Government remains committed to building a secure, interoperable and resilient digital health ecosystem that supports Taifa Care and advances the realization of Universal Health Coverage,” Dr. Oluga said.
The Steering Committee agreed on several measures aimed at improving programme implementation, including strengthening coordination among implementing agencies, enhancing documentation and communication, and expediting the resolution of outstanding technical and contractual issues through the relevant committees.
Members also resolved to reinforce oversight mechanisms to ensure the seamless execution of the programme and timely achievement of agreed milestones.
Kenya’s digital health transformation programme is a key pillar of the government’s healthcare reforms and seeks to modernise health service delivery through integrated digital systems that improve patient records management, health financing, supply chain oversight and service delivery across public health facilities.
The meeting was attended by Social Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara, representatives of the Safaricom Consortium, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), and officials from other implementing agencies.
The government expects the continued coordination between stakeholders to accelerate the delivery of digital health solutions that underpin Taifa Care and improve access to quality healthcare services for Kenyans.