Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale recently engaged the National Assembly Departmental Committee for Health to discuss the 2025/26 budget priorities for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards. The meeting focused on critical initiatives designed to advance Kenya’s healthcare system, strengthen Universal Health Coverage, and improve service delivery across the country.
A landmark announcement during the discussion was the upcoming opening of the East Africa Kidney Institute (EAKI) in July 2025. This regional center of excellence for renal care is set to be equipped with 44 state-of-the-art dialysis machines. The establishment of EAKI represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing burden of kidney diseases in Kenya and the broader East African region. By providing specialized renal care and treatment, the institute will greatly enhance access to quality healthcare services for patients with chronic kidney conditions, reducing the need for expensive overseas treatment and easing the financial burden on families.
In addition to expanding specialized healthcare infrastructure, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted ongoing reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). These reforms aim to improve the availability and timely delivery of essential drugs and medical supplies. A key change involves enabling health centers to directly pay KEMSA for supplies through the Social Health Authority (SHA), bypassing the previously cumbersome county revenue systems. This new mechanism is expected to streamline procurement processes, reduce delays, and ensure that frontline health facilities are consistently stocked with vital medications and commodities. Improved supply chain efficiency is a crucial factor in enhancing patient outcomes and overall health system performance.
Further measures to improve healthcare affordability and quality were also unveiled. The Ministry plans to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with selected private hospitals, including the Aga Khan Hospital, to provide kidney transplant services at rates aligned with those of the Social Health Authority. This initiative will enable more Kenyans to access life-saving transplant procedures at affordable costs, expanding the scope of services available under Universal Health Coverage. By partnering with reputable private institutions, the government aims to leverage existing expertise and infrastructure to fill service gaps and reduce waiting times for critical treatments.
Addressing the quality of the health workforce remains a priority. The Cabinet Secretary stressed the importance of maintaining high standards in health training institutions. To this end, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) will conduct reinspections of these institutions to ensure compliance with established educational and professional standards. Additionally, postgraduate training programs will be strategically aligned with national health priorities and available resources to ensure that emerging specialists are well-equipped to meet the country’s evolving healthcare needs. Strengthening the skills and competencies of healthcare workers is vital for delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care.
Throughout the discussions, the Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of allocated funds to accelerate the delivery of quality healthcare services. The budget for the upcoming fiscal year has been designed to support these priorities, ensuring that investments translate into tangible health outcomes for all Kenyans.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary, Director General, senior ministry officials, and CEOs of state agencies, underscoring the collaborative approach taken to shape the health sector’s strategic direction. Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive plan to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system, enhance access to specialized treatments, improve supply chains, and ensure a competent and well-trained health workforce.
In summary, the engagement with Parliament highlighted critical initiatives for the 2025/26 budget, including the launch of the East Africa Kidney Institute, reforms at KEMSA for improved drug availability, affordable kidney transplant services through partnerships with private hospitals, and a renewed focus on workforce quality through rigorous training institution oversight. These steps collectively aim to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage and better health outcomes for all Kenyans.
