Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale chaired his inaugural meeting with senior management at the Ministry of Health on Wednesday, held at Afya House in Nairobi. The meeting focused on strategic priorities to enhance healthcare delivery and address critical issues in the sector.
CS Duale emphasized the importance of efficiency, accountability, and integrity in managing health resources. In his address, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Kenya Kwanza administration to the country’s healthcare system, citing it as a central pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He also highlighted the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a fundamental goal, which aims to provide affordable and quality healthcare to all Kenyans.
The Cabinet Secretary underscored the role of the Social Health Authority (SHA) in expanding access to healthcare services, noting that its successful implementation is essential for improving the health sector’s performance. He called for strict adherence to constitutional and legal frameworks, ensuring that all operations within the Ministry are in line with established laws and regulations. This, he noted, would promote effective governance and greater accountability.
Duale also stressed the need for teamwork within the Ministry, urging officials to prioritize service delivery while ensuring the prudent use of public resources. He reminded the team of the critical need for professionalism, honesty, and diligence in their roles, emphasizing that these values are essential for achieving the Ministry’s objectives.
The meeting also included Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, and Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, among other senior officials. PS Muthoni reflected on the significance of the gathering, observing that it set the stage for aligning the Ministry’s priorities and strategic direction to improve healthcare delivery in Kenya.
With the meeting marking a critical first step, the Ministry of Health is set to embark on a collaborative effort to provide Kenyans with enhanced healthcare services.