Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale recently met with the Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of institutions under the Ministry of Health at Afya Annex in Nairobi County to discuss their roles in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya. The meeting, held on 2 April 2025, was part of the ongoing efforts to align various government institutions with the broader goals of the country’s transformative health agenda.
In his address, Hon. Duale emphasized the critical role that strong leadership plays in the effective functioning of Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs). He underscored that a thorough understanding of their mandates and responsibilities is key for these institutions to contribute meaningfully to UHC implementation. The Cabinet Secretary noted that well-informed and decisive leadership within these agencies is necessary for enhancing coordination and governance within the health sector.
Accompanied by the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Cabinet Secretary expressed his confidence in the leadership of the various institutions present. He highlighted their potential to drive the expansion of quality healthcare access, particularly at the grassroots level. The government’s efforts to extend healthcare services to all corners of the country rely heavily on the collaboration and effectiveness of institutions within the health sector.
One of the key aspects of the meeting was the discussion on strengthening inter-agency coordination. Hon. Duale stressed that effective policy implementation requires cooperation and synergy between the various health institutions. He emphasized the importance of these agencies working in concert to ensure the smooth rollout of healthcare services and the achievement of UHC objectives. The Cabinet Secretary also called for proactive engagement and clear communication among the agencies to streamline decision-making processes, reduce bureaucracy, and improve operational efficiency.
A major focus of the meeting was the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), a new initiative that aims to provide a more organized and efficient approach to the management of health services. The SHA is a key component of Kenya’s efforts to achieve UHC and ensure that all citizens, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status, have access to essential health services. Hon. Duale urged the agencies to fully support the implementation of this initiative, ensuring that it reaches all regions of the country and provides the necessary infrastructure for equitable healthcare delivery.
Additionally, the Cabinet Secretary reiterated the importance of aligning health sector activities with the Constitution and Kenyan law. He called on all agencies to operate within these legal frameworks, ensuring that all actions taken are in the best interest of the public. This alignment is crucial to upholding the rule of law, maintaining public trust, and ensuring that the services provided are legally sound and ethically responsible.
Another central point of discussion was the need for integrity and accountability within the health sector. Hon. Duale stressed that these values are foundational to improving service delivery and building public confidence in the healthcare system. He reminded the leaders of the importance of transparency, ethical behavior, and strict adherence to financial management principles in their operations. By fostering a culture of accountability, the health sector can enhance its performance and make meaningful progress towards achieving UHC.
In conclusion, Hon. Duale’s meeting with the leaders of the Ministry’s institutions served as a crucial step in reinforcing the government’s commitment to UHC. With a focus on leadership, coordination, legal compliance, integrity, and accountability, the discussion set the stage for the successful implementation of policies that will provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all Kenyans.
