NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Council of Governors, has agreed to consider increasing the allocation to the Social Health Authority’s Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCF) to enhance service delivery.
This decision follows a meeting on April 14, 2025, where key health sector challenges and initiatives were discussed, including the digitalization of healthcare and the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The discussions, led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Council of Governors Vice-Chairperson Mutahi Kahiga, focused on several critical health matters.
Among the key issues deliberated was the operationalization of the Social Health Authority, the integration of county health information systems into the Health Information Exchange portal (including the Afya.ke platform), and the ongoing efforts to implement the National Equipment Service Program.
“We resolved that the Social Health Authority (SHA) consider increasing the allocation to the ECCF to ensure enhanced service delivery. Additionally, there will be a focus on increasing resources for training and capacity building for in-charges at Level 2 to Level 5 health facilities,” read a statement issued after the meeting.
As part of efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, the Ministry of Health and the Digital Health Agency have been tasked with assessing the Health Information Systems in the counties for inclusion in the national Health Information Exchange portal.
This move aims to improve the coordination and sharing of health data across the country, facilitating better management and decision-making in the healthcare system.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing digitalization of Kenya’s health facilities.
The leaders agreed that the Digital Health Agency must accelerate the rollout of digital solutions to support healthcare services across all 47 counties.
This includes ensuring that all public healthcare facilities are equipped with the necessary digital tools to improve service delivery, as part of the broader goal of modernizing the country’s health sector.
To support the digitalization efforts, a joint task force will be established by the Council of Governors, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of ICT to address critical infrastructure issues such as electricity and internet connectivity.
These enablers are essential to ensuring the successful implementation of digital health solutions, including the timely distribution of necessary devices to health facilities.
On workforce matters, the meeting saw the Council of Governors and the Ministry of Health agree to conduct a headcount of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff in the counties.
This step is aimed at improving accountability and ensuring that resources are appropriately allocated for the payment of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and other UHC staff.
The national government will transfer resources for UHC workers’ salaries, based on the salary scales approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), to the respective counties.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health will oversee the disbursement of funds for the salaries of Village and Outreach Health Coordinators (VOHCs) to ensure smooth operations and prevent delays in payment.
The discussions underscore Kenya’s commitment to improving healthcare at the county level, with a strong focus on digitalization, workforce management, and increased funding for critical health services.
The enhanced focus on ECCF and the expansion of digital tools for health facilities reflect the government’s efforts to address both immediate and long-term healthcare needs, particularly for vulnerable populations.
