On April 22, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale led a consultative session with the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation to review the Digital Health (Health Information Management Procedures) Regulations, 2025. The meeting, held at Bunge Towers in Nairobi, was chaired by Ainabkoi MP Hon. Samuel Chepkonga and aimed at ensuring that the updated regulations align with previous recommendations from the prepublication stage. These regulations are part of Kenya’s efforts to strengthen its health system and support the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
One of the primary goals of the meeting was to assess the proposed regulations’ effectiveness in facilitating a smooth transition to UHC. Hon. Duale emphasized the significance of digital health in advancing healthcare access and improving service delivery across the country. In particular, the session focused on the operationalization of the newly launched USSD code *147#, which is designed to support Kenyans’ transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) platform. This transition is expected to streamline health insurance services and increase access to essential healthcare services, especially in underserved areas.
Hon. Duale and the committee members discussed the importance of aligning digital health tools with Kenya’s broader healthcare objectives, especially those linked to UHC. The session highlighted how digital health technologies can bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare systems, making services more accessible and efficient for all citizens, regardless of their geographic location. The move to integrate health information management procedures through digital platforms is seen as a significant step toward improving healthcare delivery, reducing administrative burdens, and ensuring that health data is more accurate and accessible for both providers and patients.
In addition to reviewing the regulations, the discussions also underscored the importance of conducting robust public awareness campaigns. These campaigns are seen as essential for ensuring that the public, particularly at the grassroots level, understands the new digital health tools and their benefits. Public awareness is crucial to encourage the uptake of SHA services, as many individuals in rural areas may not yet be fully aware of the new systems in place. To this end, it was emphasized that communication strategies need to be tailored to meet the needs of various demographics, ensuring that all Kenyans can take full advantage of the expanded healthcare services available to them.
Hon. Duale was accompanied by key Ministry of Health officials, including Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Acting CEO of the Digital Health Agency Mr. Anthony Lenaiyara, and other senior officials. Their collective presence reinforced the commitment of the Ministry of Health to ensuring that the regulations and the broader digital health initiatives are effectively implemented across the country.
As the government continues to roll out the SHA platform, there is an increasing focus on leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes. The integration of digital health systems is expected to not only improve the quality of care but also help manage resources more efficiently, track health trends, and facilitate more personalized treatment plans for patients. The discussions at the consultative meeting underscore the importance of collaboration between government agencies, legislators, and the public to achieve the ambitious goal of universal health coverage and ensure that every Kenyan has access to quality healthcare.
This review of the Digital Health Regulations is a critical step in the ongoing efforts to modernize Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure and make significant strides toward achieving UHC, an important component of the country’s vision for the future.
