NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has expressed confidence in the successful rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under President William Ruto’s administration, citing comprehensive groundwork and new legislation as key factors.
Speaking during a joint meeting between the Ministries of Interior and Health on UHC implementation, Kindiki emphasized that previous administrations had faced significant challenges in achieving UHC, but the current government has addressed these hurdles.
“I am convinced, given the meticulous background work done by the President, his economic team, and the Ministry of Health over the past two years, that we are on the right track this time,” Kindiki said.
He pointed to past UHC efforts by the late President Mwai Kibaki and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, both of which were hindered by resistance and a lack of understanding.
However, he highlighted that the Ruto administration has gone further by ensuring a strong legal framework is in place to support the initiative.
“The previous administrations faced obstacles, largely because of the absence of proper legal structures. This time, we have the Primary Healthcare Act, the Social Health Act, and the Health Data Act, which firmly anchor UHC in law,” Kindiki stated.
The Interior CS also underlined the importance of his ministry in facilitating UHC.
He noted that the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) will play a crucial role in driving the UHC registration process, targeting at least 12 million Kenyans.
“NGAO officers exist to support government programs at the grassroots, and this is why, under Executive Order No. 1 of 2023, our role in coordinating government functions at the local level is critical to the success of UHC,” Kindiki explained.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, senior ministry officials, and NGAO officers attended the meeting, demonstrating the inter-ministerial collaboration aimed at ensuring the nationwide success of UHC.
Speaking during a joint meeting between the Ministries of Interior and Health on UHC implementation, Kindiki emphasized that previous administrations had faced significant challenges in achieving UHC, but the current government has addressed these hurdles.
“I am convinced, given the meticulous background work done by the President, his economic team, and the Ministry of Health over the past two years, that we are on the right track this time,” Kindiki said.
He pointed to past UHC efforts by the late President Mwai Kibaki and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, both of which were hindered by resistance and a lack of understanding.
However, he highlighted that the Ruto administration has gone further by ensuring a strong legal framework is in place to support the initiative.
“The previous administrations faced obstacles, largely because of the absence of proper legal structures. This time, we have the Primary Healthcare Act, the Social Health Act, and the Health Data Act, which firmly anchor UHC in law,” Kindiki stated.
The Interior CS also underlined the importance of his ministry in facilitating UHC.
He noted that the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) will play a crucial role in driving the UHC registration process, targeting at least 12 million Kenyans.
“NGAO officers exist to support government programs at the grassroots, and this is why, under Executive Order No. 1 of 2023, our role in coordinating government functions at the local level is critical to the success of UHC,” Kindiki explained.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, senior ministry officials, and NGAO officers attended the meeting, demonstrating the inter-ministerial collaboration aimed at ensuring the nationwide success of UHC.
