Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) during a high-level consultative meeting in Naivasha, Kenya, on April 24th, 2025. The meeting, which was chaired by Tharaka Nithi Governor H.E. Muthomi Njuki, aimed to assess the progress of UHC implementation and strengthen collaborative efforts between national and county governments to improve healthcare delivery in the country.
In his address, Hon. Duale highlighted several key achievements made under the UHC agenda, emphasizing that the Ministry of Health (MoH) remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans. He pointed out the significant progress made in expanding health services, especially in rural and underserved areas, and underscored the importance of continuing these efforts to ensure that UHC goals are met.
The CS also stressed the need for ongoing strategic partnerships with the private sector, development partners, and county governments to effectively address the healthcare challenges facing the country. He acknowledged the role of county governments in implementing healthcare services at the grassroots level and called for strengthened cooperation to deliver the transformative health agenda outlined in the UHC framework. According to Hon. Duale, achieving UHC will require concerted efforts across all sectors, with particular attention to healthcare financing, infrastructure, and human resources.
One of the major concerns raised during the meeting was the rising maternal mortality rate, which has remained a significant challenge in Kenya. In response, Hon. Duale directed regulatory bodies and healthcare stakeholders to provide quarterly reports on maternal health outcomes. He emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making and monitoring in identifying gaps and implementing effective interventions to reduce maternal deaths. The CS expressed optimism that with better data and enhanced collaboration, the country could make substantial progress in reducing maternal mortality and improving overall maternal health outcomes.
The meeting also saw the signing of an Intergovernmental Participation Agreement on digitization, aimed at advancing the integration of digital technologies into the healthcare system. The agreement will facilitate the development and implementation of digital health solutions, such as electronic health records and telemedicine services, to improve service delivery and health information management. This partnership is expected to contribute to the building of a more efficient and sustainable health system.
In addition to the focus on maternal health, other key issues discussed during the meeting included the importance of building resilient health systems, improving medical waste management practices, and scaling up primary healthcare services. Hon. Duale emphasized that strengthening primary healthcare is crucial for achieving UHC, as it forms the foundation for the broader health system. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to increasing investment in primary health care to ensure that every Kenyan has access to essential health services.
Furthermore, the Cabinet Secretary called for continuous improvement in the management of medical waste, highlighting the environmental and health risks posed by improper disposal of healthcare waste. He urged health facilities to adopt best practices in waste management to protect both public health and the environment.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both national and county governments to work together towards achieving the UHC goals, with a clear focus on addressing the country’s most pressing health challenges. The discussions also emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluating the implementation of UHC policies to ensure that the intended outcomes are achieved.
