CS Aden Duale has affirmed the national government’s commitment to working together with counties to boost healthcare delivery across the country.
Speaking during the 2025 Annual State of Devolution Address at the Council of Governors headquarters in Nairobi, where he was joined by Wajir Governor and CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, and other leaders in marking 12 years since devolution began.
Duale described devolution as a strong force behind Kenya’s push for Universal Health Coverage, saying that long term change in the health sector could only happen through strong teamwork between national and county governments.
“This journey of making healthcare more accessible belongs to all of us, both levels of government must stay united so that no Kenyan is left behind,”Duale said.
This year’s theme was “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice.”
The 2025 State of Devolution Report showcased major progress in the health sector, including:
Over 24.4 million Kenyans now registered under the Social Health Insurance Authority (SHA).
107,831 Community Health Promoters deployed across the country
226,434 healthcare workers engaged across all sectors.
75 oxygen plants installed, with 59 already running, pushing oxygen access in public facilities to 86%
8,316 tablets distributed to support digital health systems
541 facilities assessed under the NESP program, with 28 counties actively offering services and over 29,000 services delivered
Also present were German Deputy Ambassador Alexander Fierley, Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Mary Muthoni (Public Health), and Michael Lenasalon (Devolution) alongside governors and senior officials from both levels of government.
Duale emphasized that for a country to move foward devolution must remain people-centred and focused on bringing services closer to those who need them most.
