Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale recently appeared before the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation to brief them on the proposed regulations for the Digital Health Act. The meeting, which took place at Bunge Towers on April 3rd, 2025, was chaired by Tharaka Nithi Senator Hon. Mwenda Gataya. The discussions revolved around the regulations that are set to lay the foundation for an integrated digital healthcare system in Kenya, focusing on data exchange and health information management procedures.
The regulations are designed to address two critical components: the facilitation of data exchange between various healthcare systems and the development of a comprehensive health information management structure. The goal is to create a more efficient and cohesive digital health infrastructure across the country, which can manage vast amounts of health data in a secure and standardized way. This system is expected to improve the delivery of healthcare services by enabling better coordination and data sharing among healthcare providers, while ensuring the protection of sensitive patient information.
During the session, Hon. Duale emphasized the transformative potential of the digital health law, stating that it would greatly enhance healthcare delivery in Kenya by leveraging the power of technology. One of the key benefits highlighted was its support for the rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which aims to provide affordable healthcare to all Kenyans. The integration of digital tools and systems is seen as a critical enabler of SHIF, as it will streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ensure that services are more accessible to the population.
The digital health regulations also aim to address a significant challenge in the healthcare sector: the prevalence of unqualified practitioners. Hon. Duale pointed out that the digital health framework would include mechanisms for verifying the credentials of healthcare providers, ensuring that only qualified professionals are allowed to practice. This is crucial for safeguarding the quality of healthcare services and maintaining public trust in the healthcare system.
In addition to these core objectives, the proposed regulations will also focus on enhancing data privacy and security. Given the sensitive nature of health information, ensuring robust data protection is a top priority for the Ministry of Health. The regulations will establish clear guidelines on how health data should be collected, stored, and shared, with strict measures to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
Hon. Duale expressed his commitment to the successful implementation of the Digital Health Act, reinforcing the Government’s dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for all Kenyans. He urged Ministry staff to maintain a high level of dedication and professionalism in their efforts to roll out the digital health initiatives. He reiterated that the government’s vision for digital health is aligned with its broader transformative agenda, which seeks to modernize public services and make them more efficient and accessible.
The Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation plays a crucial role in scrutinizing the regulations before they are formally adopted. By examining the proposed framework for digital health services, the committee ensures that the regulations align with the country’s health priorities and legislative standards. The discussions are expected to continue as further refinements are made to the regulations, with the goal of creating a robust and sustainable digital health system that can serve the needs of Kenya’s growing population.
This move towards a digital health ecosystem reflects Kenya’s ongoing efforts to modernize its healthcare sector and harness the power of technology to improve patient outcomes, ensure greater access to services, and create efficiencies across the healthcare system. As the regulations move through the legislative process, stakeholders across the sector are keenly watching their progress, eager to see how digital health solutions can reshape the delivery of healthcare in the country.
