Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today officially inaugurated the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel, alongside its Secretariat, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The panel, established through Gazette Notice No. 5044 of 23rd April 2025, will play a crucial role in shaping evidence-based, inclusive healthcare benefits and tariff structures for the country.
Chaired by distinguished public health expert Prof. Walter Jaoko, the Advisory Panel is tasked with providing technical guidance to the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Its responsibilities include the design and periodic review of health benefits packages through Health Technology Assessment (HTA), the revision of healthcare tariffs to promote affordability and cost-effectiveness, and the identification of priority services that are currently lacking within the system.
Speaking at the launch event, CS Duale emphasized the need for a data-driven and inclusive approach to health reforms.
“This Panel is central to ensuring that what we offer under UHC is aligned with national needs, is affordable for the people, and is financially sustainable,” he stated. “Our goal is to deliver healthcare that leaves no one behind.”
The Panel’s work will be anchored by a Secretariat housed at the University of Nairobi’s College of Health Sciences, symbolizing a robust collaboration between government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. This structure is expected to enhance the credibility, transparency, and responsiveness of health reform efforts in Kenya.
Hon. Duale was joined at the ceremony by Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, and Ms. Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards. Also present were senior officials from the Ministry of Health, representatives from healthcare institutions, and development partners.
The establishment of the Panel reflects Kenya’s firm commitment to delivering equitable, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare services for all its citizens under the UHC framework.
