NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has officially unveiled the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), marking a major step towards enhancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through preventive and promotive healthcare.
The new institute, launched by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, is designed to serve as the country’s central hub for disease surveillance, health research, policy coordination, and rapid emergency response.
Formally established under Legal Notice No. 14 of 2022, KNPHI is expected to streamline public health functions, eliminate redundancies, and significantly enhance Kenya’s capacity to respond to emerging health threats.
During the launch event, Duale emphasized the importance of building resilient institutions capable of swiftly addressing public health challenges.
He praised the support from the World Bank, Africa CDC, Amref Health Africa, and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI), urging the Public Service Commission to expedite staffing processes for the institute.
𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐒 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐇𝐂Cabinet Secretary for Health, @HonAdenDuale, has officially launched the Kenya National Public Health
Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO Country Representative, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to Kenya’s efforts, highlighting the global importance of establishing an independent and scientifically robust public health institute that is connected to international health networks.
The Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Dr. James Nyikal, expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that KNPHI delivers lasting impact.
“This launch marks the beginning of a new era for primary healthcare in Kenya,” he stated, emphasizing KNPHI’s role in strengthening disease prevention and unifying efforts across health determinants.
Dr. Diallo echoed the sentiment, describing the institute as “an empowered engine of evidence-based public health action” that will be both responsive to current emergencies and proactive in preparing for future health risks.
“Kenya has taken a historic step by establishing the Kenya National Public Health Institute—an empowered engine of evidence-based public health action. As WHO, we remain a committed partner in building an institute that is independent in science, rooted in Kenya’s context,
The launch ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change), Council of Governors CEO Mary Mwiti, and Ag. DG KNPHI Dr. Maureen Kamene, among other government and development partners.
