A high-level consultative meeting was held in Nairobi on Tuesday, 10th June 2025, bringing together Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale and Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson H.E. Ahmed Abdullahi, alongside several county governors. The session focused on aligning national and county priorities in the health sector to enhance service delivery across the country.
Central to the discussions was the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a flagship government initiative aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans. The leaders reviewed progress made and discussed strategies to address existing challenges in its implementation. Particular attention was given to the welfare and payment systems of UHC health workers, with the aim of fostering sustainable and long-term solutions.
The meeting also explored operational arrangements for the Social Health Authority (SHA), a new body mandated to drive health insurance reforms and ensure accountability in the health financing framework. SHA’s payment systems, intended to streamline reimbursements and improve service delivery, were a key topic of deliberation.
Another significant agenda item was the National Equipment Service Program (NESP), which focuses on equipping county health facilities with modern diagnostic and treatment equipment. The participants discussed how to enhance the program’s efficiency and sustainability, with the aim of reducing dependency on external support and boosting local capacity.
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) was also a focus of the meeting, particularly its evolving role in supporting public health facilities. Emphasis was placed on the new consignment stock commodity supply model, which aims to improve supply chain efficiency and ensure timely availability of essential medicines and health products. Governors were encouraged to intensify county-level sensitization and training to facilitate smooth adoption of the new model.
Discussions extended to the Facility Improvement Financing (FIF) Act of 2023, which provides a legal framework for the collection, retention, and management of revenue generated from services in public health facilities. Stakeholders assessed how the Act can empower facilities financially and improve accountability at both national and county levels.
The meeting brought together top health sector leaders, including the Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Chief Executive Officers Dr. Waqo Ejersa of KEMSA, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi of SHA, and Anthony Lenaiyara of the Directorate of Health Administration (DHA). Also present were CoG CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti and governors Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay).
The consultative forum reaffirmed the commitment of both levels of government to strengthening health systems and improving service delivery for all Kenyans through collaborative planning and implementation.
