NAIVASHA- In a high-level consultative session chaired by Tharaka Nithi Governor and Council of Governors (CoG) Health Committee Chair, Muthomi Njuki, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, led discussions focused on strengthening Kenya’s health systems and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The session followed an earlier strategic meeting between the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors, aimed at addressing emerging health sector challenges, particularly at the primary care level.
Delivering a comprehensive update on the implementation of UHC, CS Duale underscored the Ministry’s progress in launching key reforms including the Digital Health System, the establishment of the Social Health Authority, and the operationalization of the Taifa Care model.
Subsequent to a meeting with the Council of Governors (CoG) held earlier this month, I joined a follow-up consultative session chaired by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga.
The engagement focused on addressing emerging health sector challenges, with particular emphasis on… pic.twitter.com/6XFbuwBdcT
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) April 24, 2025
“Our priority remains delivering accessible, quality healthcare for every Kenyan, regardless of location or income,” said CS Duale. “The role of counties in healthcare delivery cannot be overstated, and this partnership is key to realizing our national health goals.”
He further reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaborations with public, private, and development stakeholders to ensure that no one is left behind in the UHC journey.
Concern Over Maternal Mortality
Expressing concern over the increasing cases of maternal mortality, CS Duale directed all relevant regulatory bodies to conduct quarterly reviews and submit reports on maternal deaths. These findings will inform timely interventions and policy decisions aimed at saving lives.
The CS was accompanied by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), alongside Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth. Also in attendance were CoG Deputy Chair, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, and the Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium (KEPRECON) team led by Prof. Fred Were.
Taifa Care: A Game-Changer in Healthcare Delivery
One of the key resolutions of the meeting was the formal signing of an Intergovernmental Participatory Agreement between the Ministry of Health and all 47 county governments to drive the successful implementation of Taifa Care—a flagship initiative under UHC.
The agreement outlines a comprehensive strategy that includes:
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Digitization of all public health facilities across the country;
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Distribution of 74,000 computers and tablets to healthcare workers in counties and national referral facilities;
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Training of all public healthcare workers on digital tools and systems;
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Establishment of 315 Smart Primary Care Networks to enhance grassroots healthcare delivery;
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Creation of a national Health Information Exchange to enable centralized, secure, and seamless health data sharing;
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Development of an Electronic Health Insurance Claims Platform for efficient service billing and reimbursements in public facilities;
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Rollout of a Pharmaceutical and Logistics Management Information System (Track & Trace) to improve medicine and supplies accountability;
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Implementation of a drug order management system for direct procurement from KEMSA;
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Launch of a National Emergency Response Service Platform allowing citizens to request ambulances and emergency care digitally;
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Introduction of a National Telemedicine Platform to facilitate virtual consultations, medical record access, and appointment scheduling.
“These transformative initiatives place the citizen at the center of the healthcare ecosystem,” said CS Duale. “With the full participation of county governments, we are laying the foundation for a responsive, tech-driven, and inclusive health system.”
The Ministry reaffirmed that it will continue working closely with counties to ensure the effective rollout of Taifa Care and full realization of UHC for all Kenyans.
