Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening public healthcare systems, announcing a major upgrade of Moi County Referral Hospital in Taita Taveta County.
The move is part of ongoing national efforts to enhance the quality and efficiency of health service delivery under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
During a high-level tour of the hospital’s key departments, Hon. Duale identified critical gaps in infrastructure and equipment, pledging swift government intervention.
The facility is set to benefit from the revamped National Equipment Services Program, with new installations including MRI machines, digital X-ray units, dialysis machines, and fully equipped theatres.
“This hospital will receive a full package of modern equipment that will not only raise the quality of care but also ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for the people of Taita Taveta,” said CS Duale.
As part of the Ministry’s digital health transformation strategy, Duale announced the deployment of 371 digital devices across county health facilities, with 206 trained health workers assigned to operate the systems.
He emphasized that digitization is key to streamlining service delivery and monitoring health data for better planning.
In a firm warning to unethical practices in the sector, the CS decried ongoing fraud targeting the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that over 1,000 rogue health facilities had already been shut down for non-compliance and malpractice.
“The new digital health system is already exposing fraud, helping us track illegal operations, and flagging unqualified practitioners. We are determined to bring accountability to our healthcare system,” he said.
Addressing healthcare workers and medical interns at the facility, the Cabinet Secretary acknowledged ongoing challenges in human resource management and pledged to prioritize their resolution as a critical pillar of UHC implementation.
CS Duale was accompanied by top health officials including Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, and Acting DHA CEO Anthony Lenaiyara.
The delegation was hosted by Taita Taveta Governor Dr. Andrew Mwadime, Deputy Governor Ms. Christine Saru, and Medical Superintendent Dr. Nestar Mwasaru.
The visit marks a significant step in the Ministry of Health’s reform efforts, which aim to ensure that all Kenyans have access to quality, affordable, and dignified healthcare.
