Nairobi, Kenya – In a major step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale inaugurated the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel along with its Secretariat. This newly established body will lead the development of inclusive, evidence-based health benefits and tariff structures designed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Kenyans.
The Advisory Panel, constituted under Gazette Notice No. 5044 of 23rd April 2025, is chaired by distinguished public health expert Prof. Walter Jaoko. It has been tasked with providing strategic and technical guidance to the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA) on several key aspects critical to the success of UHC.
Among its primary responsibilities, the Panel will design and regularly review health benefits packages through the application of Health Technology Assessment (HTA), an approach that evaluates the social, economic, organizational, and ethical issues of a health intervention or health technology. Additionally, the Panel will work on updating healthcare tariffs to ensure they are cost-effective and affordable for both providers and the general public. It will also help identify high-priority health interventions that are not yet available within the system but are urgently needed to improve health outcomes.
In his remarks during the inauguration ceremony, the Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of a data-driven, structured approach to shaping national health policy. He highlighted that the Panel will evaluate factors such as disease burden, population health needs, and healthcare service accessibility to guide decisions that are both practical and equitable. This focus on evidence and inclusivity, he noted, is essential for ensuring that the healthcare system evolves to meet the real needs of the population.
The CS underscored the importance of aligning health services with national priorities while ensuring affordability and sustainability. He noted that the work of the Panel would be central to ensuring that healthcare delivery under UHC is inclusive, efficient, and aligned with the goal of leaving no one behind.
The Panel’s Secretariat will be based at the University of Nairobi’s College of Health Sciences, signaling a strong collaboration between the government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. This partnership model is expected to enhance the credibility and robustness of the Panel’s recommendations and outputs.
The Ministry of Health has reiterated its commitment to supporting the work of the Advisory Panel and its Secretariat, calling on all relevant stakeholders to actively engage in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in the country. The CS noted that the success of UHC hinges on collective effort, transparency, and a shared vision for a healthier Kenya.
The inauguration event was attended by key leaders in the health sector, including Principal Secretaries responsible for Medical Services and Public Health, as well as senior officials and representatives from a broad spectrum of healthcare institutions and organizations. Their presence demonstrated the high level of commitment and collaboration required to steer Kenya toward a more equitable and resilient healthcare system.
The formation of this Advisory Panel marks a significant milestone in the country’s health sector reforms, laying the groundwork for a more strategic and inclusive implementation of UHC. Through this initiative, Kenya aims to build a healthcare system that is not only responsive to its citizens’ needs but also capable of withstanding economic and epidemiological challenges in the years to come.
