BOMET COUNTY — Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a patient-centred and digitally enabled healthcare system, citing Bomet County as a national model in the rollout of Taifa Care and health sector reforms.
Speaking during a health sector forum hosted by Bomet Governor Hon. Prof. Hilary Barchok, CS Duale noted that Bomet ranks second nationally in Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, with 609,770 residents enrolled out of 28.8 million Kenyans registered countrywide.
He said the county’s performance reflects the success of inclusive initiatives such as Lipa SHA Pole Pole, which targets informal and seasonal workers to ensure universal health coverage.
The Cabinet Secretary said the government has backed the reforms with substantial funding, including KSh 1.296 billion for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), KSh 299.9 million for Primary Healthcare, and KSh 38.2 million for emergency and chronic care, strengthening service delivery from grassroots dispensaries to Longisa County Referral Hospital.
He highlighted improved access to quality healthcare through the introduction of CT scan and ultrasound services at Longisa Hospital and enhanced availability of medicines following reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
CS Duale also lauded Bomet’s progress in health digitization, revealing that 94 per cent of public health facilities have been digitized, placing the county fifth nationally.
He reiterated that primary healthcare and outpatient services are fully funded by the government and should be free for all registered Kenyans, warning that facilities charging illegal fees will face enforcement action.
During the visit, the Cabinet Secretary officially unveiled the Bomet Health Centre Service Charter, setting a precedent for the mandatory adoption of service charters in all public and private health facilitiesacross the country.
The charter clearly outlines government-supported services, curbs overcharging, enhances transparency and safeguards patients’ rights.
Bomet Health Centre became the first facility in Kenya to receive the Green Label Service Charter, with a nationwide rollout planned.
CS Duale also commended the 2,301 Community Health Promoters in the county for their role in household registration, early disease screening and community-level health outreach.
The forum was attended by Bomet East MP Hon. Richard Yegon, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga, SHA CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Agency CEO Eng. Anthony Lenayara, alongside other national and county leaders.
