The Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors have agreed to consider increasing the allocation for the Social Health Authority’s (SHA) Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund. The resolution follows a recent meeting where key stakeholders discussed emerging issues in the health sector and measures aimed at strengthening health service delivery across the country.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was a joint resolution to boost funding for the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCF), which plays a vital role in addressing urgent and long-term medical needs of patients in Kenya. Alongside the increase in funding, the stakeholders also agreed to prioritize training and capacity building for health facility in-charges from levels 2 to 5. These in-charges will receive training on SHA registration, product optimization, and utilization to ensure efficiency in implementing the authority’s programs.
Another major focus of the meeting was the rollout of the Social Health Authority and the broader digitalization of healthcare services. The Ministry of Health, together with the Digital Health Agency, will work to assess county-level Health Information Systems for possible integration into the national Health Information Exchange portal. Systems such as Afya.ke are among those being evaluated for integration. This initiative is part of efforts to streamline health data management and improve service delivery through real-time digital solutions.
To support the digitalization of health services, it was agreed that a standardized health insurance package will be developed for indigent populations. This package is expected to ensure equitable access to healthcare for the most vulnerable citizens. Furthermore, the Digital Health Agency was tasked with accelerating the rollout of digital systems in health facilities across all 47 counties. This will be supported by the distribution of devices to public health facilities, many of which are still awaiting the necessary digital infrastructure.
Recognizing the challenges that come with digital transformation, particularly in remote areas, the Council of Governors, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of ICT will form a joint taskforce. This taskforce will address electricity and internet connectivity issues, both of which are critical enablers of successful digitalization of healthcare services.
The meeting also addressed issues concerning the workforce in the health sector. There was a consensus that counties should conduct a headcount of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff to ensure transparency and accountability in human resource management. The national government will, in turn, transfer financial resources to the counties to cover the salaries of UHC workers, adhering to salary scales approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
In addition to the UHC workforce, the Ministry of Health committed to disbursing funds to cover the salaries of staff under the Volunteer Community Health (VOHC) program. Community health promoters play an essential role in reaching underserved areas and promoting preventive health measures.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of fully implementing the National Equipment Service Program and other resolutions from previous health summits. These measures are expected to significantly improve healthcare delivery and support the government’s goal of achieving universal health coverage.
Through this multi-sectoral approach, the Ministry of Health and county governments aim to build a more resilient, efficient, and accessible health system. By addressing infrastructure, workforce, and financial bottlenecks, the resolutions set the stage for accelerated progress in Kenya’s health sector.
