The CS for Health, Aden Duale, updated the governors on the performance of the country’s healthcare sector and the rollout of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative.
The update was made on Friday, 13th February, during the 29th Ordinary Session of the IBEC under the chairmanship of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
During the session, Duale reported on the successes realized from the new healthcare financing system. He noted that the Social Health Authority (SHA) has enrolled 29.4 million Kenyans and collected around KES 142 billion since its inception.
The CS also made mention of the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP). He noted that the programme has seen the installation of medical equipment valued at KES 6.18 billion across 126 healthcare facilities across the country. He encouraged the governors to sign the agreements to ensure the funds are released to cater to the maintenance of the equipment. He noted that the funds will help enhance the provision of specialized healthcare services in the hospitals.
In the area of maternal healthcare services, the CS noted that more than 900,000 women are currently benefiting from the services offered under the SHA initiative. The Ministry has inspected the Level 2 and 3 healthcare facilities, including faith-based hospitals. The Ministry has also set aside KES 2.04 billion to fund the provision of free maternity services at these levels.
He also noted that the Teen Mothers Programme is ongoing, with 48,273 young mothers registered and receiving support across the country.
The CS updated the governors on the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), which operates under the SHA umbrella and the Mwalimu Cover. It offers medical cover for teachers and their dependents, including inpatient and outpatient care, maternity, dental, optical, and emergency evacuation, among others, all of which are offered digitally as of December 1, 2025.
As the rollout of the scheme faced challenges, Duale noted that the Ministry of Health and SHA teams are working together and are visiting the counties to resolve the challenges, including the issue of payments. The teams have visited Kisii, Kisumu, Mombasa, Mandera, Embu, and Makueni counties so far.
He was also joined by the PS, Mary Muthoni, and the CEOs of major health agencies, including Mercy Mwangangi of SHA, Waqo Ejersa of KEMSA, and Anthony Lenayara of the Digital Health Agency.
This comes as the government continues with its plan of ensuring all citizens access healthcare at affordable prices.
