Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for stronger collaboration between the national and county governments to accelerate the delivery of quality healthcare, saying devolution remains one of Kenya’s greatest governance achievements.
Speaking during the 2026 Devolution Sensitization Week in Garissa County, Duale said the devolved system has transformed healthcare by bringing services closer to the people and enabling counties to respond more effectively to local health challenges.
The event, held under the theme “Devolution for Better Health, Empowered Communities,” brought together national and county leaders, development partners and residents to discuss progress and challenges in the health sector.
Duale said significant strides have been made since the introduction of devolution, citing the expansion of health facilities, increased investment in primary healthcare, growth of the health workforce and strengthened community health services.
“Devolution has made it possible for counties to tailor healthcare services to the needs of their people while improving access to quality care,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed that achieving Universal Health Coverage depends on a strong partnership between the two levels of government. While counties remain responsible for healthcare service delivery, he noted that the national government continues to provide policy direction, regulation, strategic financing and technical support to ensure the health system functions effectively.
He said hosting this year’s Devolution Sensitization Week in Garissa demonstrated the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare across the country. Although Garissa has recorded notable progress in expanding health services, Duale said more work is needed to bridge existing gaps and guarantee quality healthcare for all Kenyans regardless of where they live.
Regarding maternal and neonatal health, the CS reinforced the Ministry of Health’s commitment to preventing deaths through strengthening the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response programme.
In addition, he commended the Council of Governors for coming up with the Inter-County Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response initiative, noting that the programme has facilitated better collaboration among counties, accountability, and sharing of good practices.
Highlighting some of the health reforms that are underway, Duale talked about the Social Health Authority, the expansion of primary health care services, the enhancement of Community Health Promoters and Primary Care Networks.
These reforms, according to him, are crucial in ensuring an all-inclusive, sustainable and resilient health system in the country.
Noting that health workers are the pillars of the health system in Kenya, he called for continued engagement between the Ministry of Health, county governments, Council of Governors, health workers’ unions and other stakeholders regarding issues relating to health work force to reach a peaceful resolution.
He emphasized the need for industrial harmony in order to ensure continuous health care provision for Kenyans.
Duale further thanked development partners, faith-based organizations, civil societies, and the private sector for their contributions in building the health system of the counties and promoting the health agenda of the country.
In preparation for the Kenya Health Summit 2026, which will be hosted by the nation, he urged the counties to learn from the lessons and innovations presented during Devolution Sensitization Week.
The forum was attended by Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Mombasa Governor and Chairperson of the Council of Governors Health Committee Abdulswamad Nassir, Senate Devolution Committee Chairperson Mohamed Abass, National Assembly Devolution Committee Chairperson Peter Lochakapong, Council of Governors Chief Executive Officer Mary Mwiti, alongside senior national and county government officials.
