The Health Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Aden Duale, appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health to present and discuss the budget estimates for the State Department for Medical Services for the fiscal year 2025/26. The session, held at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, provided an important platform to address several critical issues impacting the healthcare sector in Kenya.
During the meeting, the committee, chaired by Seme MP Hon. James Nyikal, focused on a range of pressing topics. One of the foremost challenges discussed was the shortage and management of human resources in the health sector, particularly concerning staff dedicated to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program. The availability and proper distribution of qualified health personnel remain pivotal to the successful implementation of UHC, which aims to expand healthcare access and financial protection for all Kenyans.
Another key area of discussion was the Social Health Authority’s primary healthcare fund. This fund is designed to enhance the availability of essential services at the grassroots level by ensuring sustainable financing for primary healthcare facilities. Strengthening this fund is critical for achieving equitable healthcare service delivery across all counties, especially in underserved and rural areas.
The committee also explored the recapitalization of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). KEMSA plays a vital role in the procurement and distribution of medical commodities nationwide, and its financial health directly impacts the availability of medicines and medical supplies in public health facilities. Ensuring KEMSA is well-capitalized and efficient will help address frequent stock-outs and improve overall supply chain management.
Debt management was another issue that received attention. Efficient management of existing debts and prudent financial planning are necessary to maintain the fiscal sustainability of the health sector. This will enable the Ministry to allocate resources effectively towards critical programs and infrastructure development without compromising service delivery.
In addition to budgetary matters, the Health Cabinet Secretary highlighted ongoing reforms within the health sector, emphasizing the digitization of health services. This move toward digital health systems is intended to enhance access to quality healthcare by streamlining service delivery and improving data management. Digitization also plays a crucial role in combating the proliferation of unqualified medical practitioners by facilitating better regulation and monitoring of health service providers.
The launch of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) was also discussed as a landmark development. KNPHI is expected to serve as a centralized hub for public health expertise and research, providing timely data and evidence to inform health policies and decisions. Its establishment is anticipated to accelerate response times and improve the effectiveness of interventions in public health emergencies, disease outbreaks, and other health concerns.
Throughout the session, the Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and quality for all Kenyans. He stressed that these efforts are geared towards ensuring that no one is left behind, irrespective of age, geographical location, or economic status. This aligns with the broader government agenda to achieve Universal Health Coverage and improve health outcomes nationwide.
The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, along with the Chief Executive Officers of several semi-autonomous government agencies within the Ministry. Their presence underscored the collaborative approach being taken to address health sector challenges through coordinated efforts and multi-agency engagement.
In conclusion, the engagement between the Health Cabinet Secretary and the Parliamentary Committee on Health was a crucial step in outlining the priorities and strategies for the health sector’s upcoming fiscal year. It highlighted the government’s dedication to strengthening healthcare systems, addressing resource gaps, and implementing reforms aimed at delivering accessible, quality health services to all Kenyans.
