The Ministry of Health and the National Treasury have reaffirmed their joint commitment to accelerating the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as part of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The collaboration seeks to establish sustainable financing mechanisms that ensure equitable, efficient, and people-centred healthcare delivery for all Kenyans.
During a high-level consultative meeting in Nairobi, senior government officials deliberated on strategies to enhance service delivery, improve health system efficiency, and guarantee the long-term sustainability of national health initiatives. The discussions focused on securing predictable and adequate budgetary support for key health programmes, including referral services, essential medicines supply, and local vaccine production.
Priority areas identified for immediate action include strengthening the capacity of national referral hospitals, advancing medical research and innovation, ensuring reliable blood transfusion services, and enhancing the availability of critical health technologies. The officials emphasised that consistent financing remains vital for completing ongoing infrastructure projects, maintaining the flow of essential commodities, and supporting the operations of health facilities across all levels.
Recognising the impact of budget constraints and declining donor support, the Treasury and the Health Ministry pledged to align financial planning with national health priorities. This alignment aims to reinforce health financing reforms, digital transformation, and investments in the healthcare workforce. Such measures will not only strengthen accountability but also improve access to quality healthcare, reduce out-of-pocket expenditures, and protect citizens from catastrophic medical costs.
Through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, the two ministries aim to reinforce Kenya’s health system and ensure the successful implementation of Universal Health Coverage. The partnership underscores the government’s determination to deliver affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare to every Kenyan household.
Accompanied by senior officials and heads of directorates, the Ministry of Health leadership reaffirmed its collective commitment to advancing sustainable health-sector financing. The collaborative engagement between the Health Ministry and the National Treasury marks a significant step toward achieving the country’s long-term goal of a robust, equitable, and resilient health system under the Universal Health Coverage framework.
