Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale visited Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) to assess the progress in accelerating the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as part of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The visit aimed to strengthen the health sector and support the implementation of key health initiatives across the country.
During the visit, Hon. Duale was hosted by the hospital’s Board of Directors, chaired by Senator Kembi Gitura. He engaged in a consultative meeting with senior management at KUTRRH, where he received detailed briefings on the hospital’s key services and performance updates under the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, which has replaced the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) system. These updates included important adjustments in coverage rates for critical medical services. For instance, the cost coverage for open-heart surgery increased to Ksh 952,000 under SHA from the previous Ksh 450,000. Similarly, the cost per dialysis session rose from Ksh 9,500 to Ksh 10,650, while PET/SPECT scans coverage increased from Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 53,500.
Following the briefing, the Cabinet Secretary toured several critical departments within the hospital, including the Cancer Centre Annex, Chemotherapy Unit, CyberKnife facility, and the Transplant Intensive Care Unit (ICU). During the tour, he was briefed on the facility’s accomplishments as well as the ongoing challenges that require support. The hospital management highlighted the need for increased government backing to fully operationalize the new Cancer Centre. They requested an expanded budget, proposing an increase from Ksh 100 million to Ksh 250 million. In addition, they appealed for the acquisition of an additional LINAC (Linear Accelerator) machine, which is essential for advanced cancer treatment. Strengthened referral policies and timely reimbursements under the SHA scheme were also emphasized as key enablers for improved service delivery, especially under the Taifa Care Model designed to promote equitable access to healthcare.
Hon. Duale praised KUTRRH for its impressive milestones, including the successful completion of the hospital’s first two kidney transplant surgeries. These achievements represent a significant step forward in expanding specialized healthcare services within the country. He encouraged the hospital management to fast-track the implementation of UHC, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and intensify efforts to mobilize patients and communities to register under the SHA scheme, thereby increasing coverage and access.
In celebration of International Nurses Week 2025, the Cabinet Secretary honored the nurses who played a vital role in facilitating the first two kidney transplant surgeries at KUTRRH. Certificates of recognition were awarded to these nurses in acknowledgment of their dedication, ethical adherence, and compliance with medical and legal protocols throughout the complex procedures.
Hon. Duale reiterated the Ministry of Health’s continued support for KUTRRH and called for strict adherence to principles of integrity, accountability, and compliance in all aspects of hospital operations. This includes proper management of staffing, procurement processes, and financial resources to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Accompanying the Cabinet Secretary during the visit were several senior officials, including the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth; Head of Nursing and Midwifery Services, Dr. Judith Awinja; KUTRRH CEO Dr. Zeinab Gura; and Deputy Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Onyimbo Kerama. Their presence underscored the collaborative commitment between the government and healthcare institutions to achieve the shared goal of improving health service delivery and ensuring that all Kenyans benefit from quality, affordable healthcare through the UHC framework.
