Hon. Aden Duale officially assumed office as the Cabinet Secretary for Health, outlining key reforms aimed at enhancing Kenya’s healthcare system. In his address, CS Duale emphasized the importance of working in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws while aligning health reforms with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), focusing on the betterment of the nation’s health.
A significant highlight of his address was the establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA), a critical initiative designed to integrate with various systems and reduce fraud seen in the former NHIF structure. On Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which remains a core element of the government’s transformative agenda, CS Duale stressed that UHC would ensure better healthcare access for the less fortunate while also fostering healthy competition between public and private healthcare providers, ultimately improving service delivery.
As part of the broader health sector reforms, the CS underscored the need to streamline existing healthcare policies and improve resource allocation to enhance service delivery. He pointed out that strategic investments in primary healthcare, digitization, and infrastructure would be critical in transforming the sector. To this end, the Ministry of Health plans to enhance partnerships with county governments to ensure the effective rollout of healthcare services at the grassroots level.
CS Duale reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the human resource challenges affecting the health sector. Acknowledging the concerns raised by healthcare professionals, he assured them of a structured approach to resolving employment disputes and improving working conditions. He urged medical practitioners and stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure a stable and efficient workforce that can meet the needs of the population.
The CS also emphasized the role of technology in healthcare reform, noting that the adoption of digital health solutions would improve efficiency and service delivery. Plans are underway to implement electronic medical records, telemedicine, and other digital innovations to facilitate seamless access to medical services. Such advancements are expected to bridge healthcare disparities, particularly in rural areas where medical services are often limited.
In addressing the financial sustainability of healthcare, CS Duale highlighted the importance of ensuring that SHA operates transparently and efficiently to avoid pitfalls experienced by its predecessor. By strengthening regulatory mechanisms and implementing robust monitoring systems, the government aims to create a healthcare financing model that is both sustainable and inclusive.
During the brief handover ceremony, Hon. Duale expressed his readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders, including resolving union disputes, to streamline the health sector and deliver effective health solutions. He also urged members of the press to support the government’s efforts by providing the right narrative to help successfully implement SHA and address ongoing challenges in the health sector.
Hon. Duale was joined at the ceremony by outgoing Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa, Principal Secretaries Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards) and Mr. Harry Kimtai (Medical Services), Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth, and other Ministry staff. The event marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s healthcare landscape, with expectations set on delivering comprehensive and sustainable reforms that will positively impact millions of citizens.
