Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has held talks with Amref Health Africa on the organisation’s support for Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, including primary healthcare, digital health and training of health workers.
The meeting brought together Duale and a delegation led by Amref Health Africa Chief Executive Officer Dr Githinji Gitahi to review progress on joint health initiatives.
According to the information shared during the meeting, the initiatives reached 3.6 million people across all 47 counties between January and September 2026.
More than 3,800 health workers in 38 counties were also trained on Social Health Authority (SHA) contracting and claims processes, while implementation of the Facility Improvement Financing Act progressed in 43 counties.
The discussions also covered the digitisation of 250 health facilities in Turkana County and Amref’s support for 10 counties implementing the Taifa Care Health Management Information System (HMIS).
The meeting further noted an annual allocation of USD 8.5 million to support Community Health Promoters (CHPs).
Other areas discussed included preparations for Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) in 13 high-risk counties, strengthening county health systems, and support for tuberculosis and malaria programmes.
Duale and the delegation also reviewed a USD 13.2 million multi-year investment to support Kenya’s Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan in six of the country’s 26 high-burden counties.
Duale Calls for Better Coordination
During the meeting, Duale said programmes supported by development partners should align with the government’s health priorities.
He called on Amref to adopt the principles of One Plan, One Budget and One Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to improve coordination, transparency and accountability in the implementation of health projects.
The Ministry of Health and Amref agreed to formalise their cooperation through a partnership framework agreement. They also agreed to introduce quarterly reporting to track progress across their joint programmes.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, Amref Health Africa Board Chairperson Dr Mette Kinoti and Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chief Executive Officer Dr Ahmed Mohamed.
Other officials present included Director of Public Health and Sanitation Dr Stephen Muleshe, Acting Director-General of the National Public Health Institute Dr Kamene Kimenye and other Ministry of Health officials.
