Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to uphold the Constitution by stressing the importance of transferring the payroll and related budgets for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff from the Ministry of Health to county governments. This step is in line with the constitutional mandate that health services are a devolved function, meaning that county governments hold the primary responsibility for health service delivery.
Hon. Duale emphasized that respecting the law and the spirit of devolution is non-negotiable, underscoring that the transfer of payroll responsibilities will not only comply with constitutional requirements but also improve health service delivery at the grassroots level. “Health is a devolved function. I will not violate the Constitution,” he stated firmly.
The commitment was announced during an event held at Afya House in Nairobi, where 2,000 units of Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) were launched. These units were donated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and are intended for distribution to all 47 counties. The equipment is vital for preserving vaccines at the required temperatures and thereby plays a crucial role in enhancing access to immunization services across the country. Immunization is a key component of Primary Health Care and remains an essential pillar of Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that all citizens, especially children, receive protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
This launch event not only marked the introduction of new equipment but also demonstrated the government’s continued focus on strengthening the health system, particularly at the last-mile level. Ensuring that vaccines reach even the most remote and underserved areas has been a major challenge in the past, and the provision of reliable cold chain equipment is expected to significantly improve vaccine delivery efficiency.
The government’s dedication to Universal Health Coverage is clear. UHC aims to provide equitable access to quality health services without financial hardship. By devolving health functions and ensuring that county governments have the capacity, resources, and authority to manage health personnel payroll and budgets, service delivery becomes more responsive and tailored to local needs.
The transfer of payroll responsibility is a critical step toward operationalizing full devolution in the health sector. It addresses existing challenges, such as delayed payments and staff management issues that arise when responsibilities are centralized in the Ministry of Health but implemented at the county level. Delegating this responsibility to counties allows for more timely and effective management of health workers, who form the backbone of service provision.
By equipping counties with the necessary resources, including funding and infrastructure like cold chain equipment, the government is laying a strong foundation for more resilient health systems. This effort ensures that vaccines remain potent and effective by maintaining the required cold temperatures throughout the supply chain, reducing wastage, and increasing immunization coverage.
The distribution of the 2,000 cold chain units is expected to significantly boost immunization efforts nationwide. Reliable vaccine storage and transportation facilities will mean fewer stockouts and better maintenance of vaccine quality. Ultimately, this translates into higher immunization rates, contributing to the reduction of childhood morbidity and mortality from preventable diseases.
The event and announcements signal a broader commitment by the government to uphold constitutional mandates while advancing health sector reforms that align with international best practices. By ensuring that health functions are fully devolved, the government acknowledges the importance of local governance in addressing community health needs effectively.
This approach also aligns with the global health agenda that promotes UHC as a pathway to achieving sustainable development goals, especially those related to health and wellbeing. Empowering counties to manage their health workforce and resources is a vital part of building strong health systems capable of delivering quality care to all citizens.
In summary, the Cabinet Secretary’s pledge to transfer the payroll and associated budgets for UHC staff to county governments underscores a firm commitment to constitutional principles and a strategic move to enhance health service delivery. Coupled with the launch of critical cold chain equipment, these steps reflect a comprehensive approach to strengthening the health system and ensuring that all Kenyans have access to essential health services, particularly immunization. The government’s focus on devolved health services and improved last-mile vaccine delivery marks significant progress toward achieving universal health coverage and protecting every child against vaccine-preventable diseases.
