UASIN GISHU- Kenya’s health sector is undergoing a major transformation as the government accelerates digitisation and expands community health investments to ensure equitable access to care.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale today led a landmark initiative in Uasin Gishu County, handing over 548 digital devices to 131 public health facilities.
The move, he noted, marks a critical step in modernising health service delivery, strengthening accountability, and eliminating malpractice in the sector.
During his tour, the CS met with Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in a sensitisation caucus, praising their frontline role in health education, disease prevention, and connecting families to essential services particularly in rural and underserved areas.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to community health as a cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Uasin Gishu will also benefit from a transformative medical technology upgrade through the National Equipment Services Programme (NESP).
Under the fee-for-service model requiring no upfront county payments facilities will gain continuous access to advanced equipment such as CT scans, digital X-rays, mammograms, and other lifesaving diagnostic tools.
In a joint strategic meeting with Governor Jonathan Bii and representatives from public, private, and faith-based health facilities, Hon. Duale outlined government’s resolve to address systemic challenges in the sector.
He assured stakeholders that KSh 5.3 billion in pending bills owed to facilities under the defunct NHIF will be cleared within two months, with all claims currently being verified by an independent audit to guarantee accuracy and accountability.
The CS further stressed the importance of transparency and integrity in health operations, announcing that under the Digital Health Transformation, all claims and transactions must now be processed directly at the facility to curb fraud and protect public resources.
CS Duale also highlighted President William Ruto’s directive to support 1.5 million indigent Kenyans across all 47 counties, with the government covering their contributions to the new Social Health Authority (SHA) starting next month.
Governors and Members of Parliament will additionally support another one million vulnerable people, expanding universal access to care.
While acknowledging transitional challenges in SHA implementation, the CS assured health leaders that the Ministry is fast-tracking solutions.
He urged facilities to adhere strictly to regulatory standards to safeguard patient safety and dignity, while regulatory bodies continue inspections and enforcement against non-compliant facilities and unqualified practitioners.
CS Duale reiterated that the government will continue to roll out the digital superhighway to enhance efficiency, accountability, and nationwide service delivery firmly anchoring Kenya’s journey towards universal, equitable, and quality healthcare.
