BUNGOMA– Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, has unveiled a new Annex Radiology Unit and CT Scan Centre in Bungoma County, marking a major milestone in expanding access to specialised diagnostic services and strengthening healthcare delivery under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
The facility, equipped with a state-of-the-art 128-slice CT scanner (2025 model) under the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP), is already transforming patient care. It has handled dozens of cases from across the region, significantly reducing waiting times for critical imaging services and improving efficiency in diagnosis and treatment.
During his visit, the CS toured Bungoma County Referral Hospital, where he inspected key departments including the Mother and Child Health Centre and the Cancer and Palliative Care Unit.
The facilities are playing a crucial role in enhancing maternal and newborn care, enabling early disease detection, and providing comprehensive support for patients requiring specialised treatment.
In line with efforts to decentralise cancer care, the Ministry of Health reaffirmed plans to operationalise regional oncology centres at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and in Kisii County. The move is expected to ease pressure on national referral hospitals while bringing life-saving cancer services closer to communities.
The visit, hosted by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, also included a public engagement forum where Duale addressed residents on progress in healthcare reforms.
He highlighted the ongoing rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that over 30 million Kenyans have already registered, with increased funding being channelled to health facilities nationwide to support service delivery.
The CS pointed to improved availability of essential medicines following reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), which have strengthened supply chains and enhanced access to critical drugs, particularly at the grassroots level.
On digital transformation, Duale underscored the government’s push to modernise healthcare systems, noting that Bungoma is among the leading counties in digitisation, with most public health facilities already onboarded onto digital platforms to improve efficiency, data management, and accountability.
He further sensitised residents on the expanded Linda Jamii programme, which is broadening household health coverage, including maternal services, and helping ease the financial burden on families.
Additionally, Duale announced that Community Health Promoters (CHPs) will be fully integrated into the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) from July 2026, a move aimed at strengthening primary healthcare and empowering frontline health workers.
The CS also issued a firm warning against fraud in the health sector, affirming that enhanced digital oversight and stricter regulatory enforcement will be implemented to safeguard integrity and improve service delivery standards.
Duale was accompanied by Social Health Authority CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi and Digital Health Agency CEO Eng. Anthony Lenayara, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Bungoma County Government.
