Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s unwavering commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) during a high-level consultative meeting with the Council of Governors, held on 24th April 2025 in Naivasha, Kenya. The meeting, which was chaired by Tharaka Nithi Governor H.E. Muthomi Njuki, focused on assessing the progress made in the implementation of UHC in the country.
In his address, Hon. Duale highlighted significant strides the Ministry has made in improving healthcare access and quality, underlining the government’s firm belief that healthcare is a fundamental right for all citizens. He emphasized that the goal of UHC is to ensure that every Kenyan has access to essential health services without facing financial hardship. He acknowledged the crucial role of the county governments in achieving this vision, stressing the importance of continued collaboration to bring about the desired transformation in the healthcare sector.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that while much progress has been made in advancing UHC, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, financial sustainability, and the need for more trained healthcare personnel remain. Nonetheless, the Ministry is fully committed to addressing these issues through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships across various sectors. He encouraged further engagement with the private sector, development partners, and other stakeholders to provide the necessary support to the government’s health agenda.
A key part of the discussion was the ongoing partnership between the national and county governments, which Hon. Duale identified as essential in improving the reach and impact of healthcare services. He urged all stakeholders to continue working together to build resilient health systems capable of responding to both current and future health challenges. The Ministry’s efforts to digitize health services were also highlighted, with the signing of the Intergovernmental Participation Agreement on digitization. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare service delivery by leveraging technology to improve data management and service monitoring.
Another significant issue raised during the meeting was the rising maternal mortality rate, which remains a major concern for the health sector. Hon. Duale expressed his deep concern over the situation and called on regulatory bodies and healthcare providers to take immediate action. He directed that quarterly reports on maternal health be submitted, ensuring that necessary interventions can be promptly implemented. By improving the monitoring and reporting mechanisms, the Ministry hopes to significantly reduce maternal mortality rates in the country.
In addition to addressing maternal health, Hon. Duale discussed the need to improve medical waste management, an area that has become increasingly important as the country works to scale up healthcare services. Effective medical waste management is crucial not only for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infections but also for ensuring environmental sustainability. The Cabinet Secretary noted that the Ministry is actively working on initiatives aimed at strengthening the management of medical waste, particularly in rural and underserved areas where the problem is more pronounced.
Furthermore, the meeting delved into the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services, which form the backbone of the country’s health system. Hon. Duale reiterated that expanding primary health care is critical to achieving UHC, as it ensures that essential health services are available at the community level, thereby reducing the burden on higher-level facilities.
The consultative meeting ended with a renewed sense of commitment from both the national and county governments to work collaboratively toward a healthier Kenya. The partnerships formed through such discussions are expected to drive the continued progress of UHC and address the various health challenges facing the nation. As the Ministry of Health moves forward, it is clear that a multifaceted approach involving innovation, collaboration, and strong governance will be key to achieving the ultimate goal of universal health coverage for all Kenyans.
