On May 8, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale engaged in a strategic discussion with Amref Health Africa in Kenya, led by CEO Dr. Githinji Gitahi. The meeting, held in Nairobi, was a crucial step in the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to implement reforms under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed at advancing Kenya’s health sector.
During the meeting, Amref Health Africa shared its significant contributions to the country’s health system. The organization highlighted key achievements, including the establishment of 74 Public Care Networks across 13 counties, overseeing more than 107,000 Community Health Promoters, and installing 22 oxygen plants in 14 counties. Additionally, Amref has distributed over 20,000 oxygen cylinders to all 47 counties in Kenya, significantly improving health care delivery in rural and underserved areas.
Hon. Duale recognized Amref’s role in strengthening Kenya’s health sector, particularly in the areas of primary healthcare (PHC) and digital health. Both are essential components in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), one of the Ministry’s key priorities. The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged Amref’s innovative health models and its global expertise, noting that the organization’s presence in communities across Kenya makes it an invaluable partner in shaping the country’s health reforms.
To further strengthen this partnership, Hon. Duale proposed several initiatives aimed at enhancing health outcomes. One of the main proposals was to convene strategic public-private partnerships to support infrastructure development, diagnostics, and delivery models for primary healthcare. By working together, the government and Amref can foster a more robust healthcare system that is efficient and accessible.
In addition to infrastructure, Hon. Duale emphasized the need for better alignment with national health strategies, ensuring that initiatives are coordinated and reported through government platforms. This would improve accountability and transparency in the sector. Furthermore, he suggested deepening data-sharing mechanisms and contributing to evidence-based health policies that can guide future national health priorities.
Hon. Duale also proposed the creation of a joint results framework to guide strategic engagement between the Ministry and Amref. This framework would track progress on health outcomes and ensure that efforts are focused on areas that can have the greatest impact. To facilitate this, the two entities would set up a working group to prioritize initiatives and monitor progress regularly.
One of the critical areas of focus for the partnership would be strengthening maternal and newborn health services, as well as enhancing healthcare financing. These sectors are essential in reducing health disparities and ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of their location, have access to quality healthcare services.
During the meeting, Hon. Duale stressed that healthcare is a constitutional right for all Kenyans under Article 43 of the Constitution. The Ministry of Health remains committed to realizing the goal of Universal Health Coverage by working collaboratively with partners like Amref and other stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Health, including Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth and Director of Family Health Dr. Isaak Bashir. Amref Health Africa was represented by Board Chairperson Ms. Mette Kjaer Kinoti and Dr. Meshack Ndirangu, the organization’s Country Director in Kenya.
This engagement highlights the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Health to reform and strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system. By leveraging partnerships with organizations like Amref, the government aims to make substantial progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that all Kenyans can access quality healthcare services.
