Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has underscored the need to strengthen community participation in public health and youth empowerment as key pillars of Kenya’s social transformation agenda.
She emphasized that the government remains committed to improving healthcare access and delivery through the Social Health Authority (SHA), a framework designed to enhance service delivery, accountability, and equity across the health system. The SHA seeks to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of their social or economic background, can access affordable, quality healthcare services.
Muthoni explained that the government’s health reforms are grounded in inclusivity and transparency, aligning with the broader goal of achieving universal health coverage. Through the SHA, the Ministry of Health is working to streamline operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and improve accountability in public health management.
She also highlighted the Jamii Imara Mashinani initiative, describing it as a vehicle for taking government services closer to the people. The programme promotes citizen engagement by creating spaces for dialogue where communities can express their needs and priorities. According to Muthoni, this direct interaction helps the government tailor its interventions to meet real community needs, thereby enhancing trust between citizens and state institutions.
Muthoni noted that community involvement in health governance strengthens sustainability and ensures that public health policies are responsive and impactful. By empowering local structures, the government aims to make citizens active participants in their own well-being.
Turning to youth empowerment, Muthoni spotlighted the NYOTA Project, an initiative that equips young people with training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship skills. The programme is designed to nurture innovation, promote self-reliance, and reduce unemployment by supporting youth-led enterprises and productive ventures.
She stressed that empowering the youth goes beyond job creation—it is about giving them the tools and confidence to become agents of change in their communities. Through skills development, financial literacy, and business incubation, the NYOTA Project seeks to transform Kenya’s young population into a driving force for national development.
Muthoni called on county governments, civil society, and the private sector to partner with the national government in advancing these reforms. She reaffirmed that community participation and youth empowerment are at the heart of Kenya’s journey toward building a more inclusive, accountable, and resilient society.
