On May 16, 2025, a significant meeting took place in Nairobi aimed at strengthening Kenya’s health system through enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors. A delegation from the Kenya Health Care Federation (KHF), led by CEO Dr. Tim Theuri, engaged in discussions with the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga. The central theme of the meeting was to explore opportunities for partnership that could help address critical gaps in Kenya’s health care delivery, particularly in logistics, funding, and the supply of health commodities.
The discussions underscored the private sector’s potential to play a key role in supporting government efforts toward building a sustainable and resilient health system. The KHF delegation highlighted their readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Health in several strategic areas. These included improving the efficiency of the commodities supply chain, strengthening logistics frameworks, and enhancing healthcare financing models. The goal is to create a more reliable health system that can deliver quality services to all Kenyans, especially those in underserved regions.
Dr. Ouma Oluga welcomed the engagement warmly, recognizing the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing health sector goals. He reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing a self-reliant health system capable of withstanding challenges and ensuring continuity in service delivery. According to him, the private sector’s involvement is crucial for complementing government initiatives, especially in increasing access to affordable and quality healthcare.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to transform Kenya’s health landscape. Challenges such as limited funding, frequent stockouts of essential medicines, and logistical inefficiencies have long affected service delivery and health outcomes. By inviting collaboration with private sector players, the Ministry aims to leverage additional resources, innovation, and expertise that can help fill these gaps.
One of the focal points was the health commodities supply chain, which remains a critical area for improvement. Efficient procurement and distribution of medicines and medical supplies are vital for ensuring that health facilities across the country remain stocked and functional. Delays and disruptions in this supply chain have, at times, compromised patient care. The private sector’s experience in logistics management and supply chain optimization could offer valuable solutions to these persistent problems.
In addition, financing healthcare sustainably remains a major concern. The delegation emphasized the need to explore innovative financing mechanisms that would not only increase investment in health but also ensure that funds are used efficiently. This includes models that could mobilize private capital, improve financial management, and reduce wastage. Strengthening health financing systems is critical to expanding access and reducing the financial burden on patients.
The partnership discussions also reflected a broader recognition that a resilient health system requires integration of various stakeholders beyond just the government. Involving private health providers, insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and logistics firms could spur efficiencies and innovations that have been difficult to achieve in a siloed public system.
Furthermore, strengthening the health system through such partnerships aligns with Kenya’s long-term development goals and its commitment to universal health coverage (UHC). Achieving UHC requires not only increased funding but also improved coordination and utilization of resources across the entire health sector. Collaborative efforts can drive progress toward these goals by enhancing service delivery at all levels.
Dr. Oluga emphasized that the Ministry is actively exploring mechanisms to formalize these partnerships, ensuring clear frameworks that protect public interest while enabling private sector contributions. He noted that such cooperation is essential for ensuring continuity in health services, particularly in times of crisis or resource constraints.
The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to continue dialogue and develop actionable plans that harness the strengths of both public and private sectors. Both parties agreed that partnership is not just an option but a necessity for Kenya to build a health system that is sustainable, inclusive, and capable of delivering quality care to every citizen.
In conclusion, this engagement marks a positive step toward transforming Kenya’s health system through collaboration. By pooling resources, expertise, and innovations, the government and private sector are poised to create a more resilient health infrastructure that can better serve the population’s needs now and in the future.
