Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale on Thursday appeared before the National Assembly to update lawmakers on the progress of the Social Health Authority (SHA), health sector reforms, and the government’s priorities under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
Chaired by National Assembly Speaker Hon. Moses Wetangula, the session focused on concerns raised by Members of Parliament over the implementation of SHA and emerging health issues.
In his address, CS Duale revealed that over 21.3 million Kenyans have already enrolled in the SHA, a new health financing model designed to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). He described the SHA health benefits package as “more comprehensive and equitable,” aimed at ensuring all citizens can access quality healthcare without financial hardship.
To boost uptake, the ministry is rolling out nationwide public awareness campaigns, the CS said, while also acknowledging hurdles such as gaps in regulation and health sector management.
“We are committed to enforcing standards that will eliminate quack practitioners and improve the quality of care across the board,” Duale stated, adding that the SHA rollout is central to achieving affordable and accessible healthcare for allunder the Universal Health Coverage framework.
The CS also outlined ongoing investments in primary and community health facilities, a move he said would reduce the burden on referral hospitals and improve the efficiency of care delivery nationwide.
Duale further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and full implementation of the Taifa Care Model, which aligns with President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
He was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, and other senior ministry officials.
