Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale recently addressed the National Assembly in response to questions and concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and emerging issues in the healthcare sector. The session, chaired by Hon. Moses Wetangula, provided an opportunity for the CS to update lawmakers on the progress of SHA and to highlight the challenges and opportunities within the health sector.
Hon. Duale began his address by presenting an update on the SHA, which has already registered over 21 million Kenyans since its inception. He emphasized that the health benefits package under SHA is significantly more comprehensive than the previous NHIF scheme. This expanded package, according to the CS, is designed to offer Kenyans improved access to healthcare services, ensuring broader coverage and more equitable distribution of benefits. Duale’s presentation was aimed at demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing the healthcare system in Kenya and addressing gaps that have existed under previous schemes.
One of the key points raised by the CS was the importance of public awareness in the successful implementation of SHA. Hon. Duale stressed the need for extensive awareness campaigns to inform the public about the new system and how it works. These efforts are necessary to increase participation and ensure that as many Kenyans as possible benefit from the expanded health coverage. In addition, Duale highlighted the role of education in driving acceptance and understanding of SHA’s advantages over the former system.
The Cabinet Secretary also addressed some of the pressing challenges facing the health sector. He noted that there have been significant issues with the quality and accessibility of healthcare in Kenya, especially in rural and underserved areas. To tackle this, Hon. Duale outlined a series of reforms focused on improving healthcare infrastructure and staffing at primary and community health facilities. These efforts are designed to alleviate the pressure on referral hospitals and reduce waiting times, making healthcare services more accessible and efficient for Kenyans living in remote areas.
Another critical point raised by the CS was the need for stricter regulation in the medical profession to curb the rise of unqualified practitioners. Hon. Duale emphasized that ensuring the integrity of the healthcare workforce is essential for maintaining the trust of the public and improving the quality of care. He assured the Assembly that the government is committed to addressing this issue through enhanced oversight and regulatory measures.
In his remarks, Hon. Duale reiterated the government’s commitment to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, which aims to ensure that all Kenyans have access to quality healthcare without financial hardship. He assured lawmakers that the reforms under SHA, coupled with the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the health system, will significantly contribute to the realization of UHC in Kenya.
Hon. Duale also underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in the health sector. He affirmed that the Ministry of Health is dedicated to upholding these values as it implements the Taifa Care Model, a crucial component of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The CS stressed that by prioritizing these principles, the government seeks to build public trust and ensure the sustainability of health reforms.
Accompanying Hon. Duale at the session were Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, and other senior Ministry officials. Together, they reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the country and ensuring that the benefits of SHA reach all Kenyans.
