NAIROBI-Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health to present and discuss the 2025/26 budget estimates for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards.
The session, chaired by James Nyikal, MP for Seme, was held at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi and brought together top Ministry officials and key stakeholders in the health sector.
During his presentation, CS Duale announced the imminent opening of the East Africa Kidney Institute (EAKI) in July 2025. Positioned as a regional hub for renal care, training, and research, the facility will be equipped with over 44 dialysis machines. The Institute is expected to significantly boost Kenya’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
On the issue of Primary Health Care, the CS highlighted ongoing challenges in the availability of essential drugs. He outlined a series of reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) aimed at improving order fulfillment rates from 47% to 100%.
Engaged the National Assembly Health Committee, led by Hon. James Nyikal (MP, Seme) to review the 2025/26 budget for Public Health and Professional Standards.
I highlighted the July opening of the East Africa Kidney Institute (EAKI) as a regional hub for renal care, training and… pic.twitter.com/OOsgZFNNFh
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) May 15, 2025
A key reform includes a new funding model under the Social Health Authority (SHA) that will enable health centers to directly procure supplies from KEMSA, bypassing county revenue systems to ensure timely and efficient last-mile delivery.
To increase access to kidney transplants, CS Duale revealed plans to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Aga Khan Hospital and other selected institutions. These partnerships will allow transplants to be conducted at subsidized SHA rates, making advanced treatment more affordable for Kenyans.
Addressing human resource development, CS Duale emphasized the need for quality and compliance in training health professionals.
He noted that the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) is currently reinspecting all health training institutions to enforce adherence to national infrastructure and capacity standards. Postgraduate training, he added, will be tailored to align with national health priorities and available resources.
The CS reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the equitable provision of healthcare across the country. He pledged that any funds allocated by Parliament would be used effectively to fast-track quality healthcare delivery.
CS Duale was accompanied by Public Health and Professional Standards PS Ms. Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, other senior Ministry officials, and CEOs of Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) under the State Department.
The session marked a critical step in aligning health sector priorities with national development goals ahead of the new fiscal year.
