Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has held talks with a World Bank delegation on the implementation of two health projects, with discussions focusing on resolving delays, improving use of funds and strengthening healthcare services across the country.
The meeting, led by World Bank representative Ronald Mutasa, reviewed progress on the Building Resilient and Responsive Health Systems (BREHS) Project and the Kenya Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (KHEPRR) Project.
The two initiatives are intended to strengthen Kenya’s health system, including its ability to respond to public health emergencies.
During the meeting, Duale called for faster implementation and the removal of operational challenges that could prevent the projects from delivering their intended results.
He said resources allocated to the health sector should translate into better services for Kenyans, particularly as the country faces emerging public health threats.
The CS also pointed to progress under the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has registered more than 33 million Kenyans, saying ongoing health reforms should produce measurable improvements in service delivery.
He added that health investments should support the government’s wider economic agenda, including job creation, local manufacturing, workforce development and digital innovation.
Government Seeks Better Coordination
Duale called for development partners to align their support with the government’s health priorities through a coordinated approach known as One Plan, One Budget and One Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
This method is aimed at enhancing coordination and efficient implementation of projects and strengthening health financing.
The meeting also looked at ways of making the health facilities sustainable through the Facility Improvement Financing (FIF) program.
Duale emphasized the need for proper financial management and expenditure of the public money.
The government officials further deliberated on the importance of collaboration between the two levels of governance, reporting of fund utilization and procurement update.
They said addressing implementation challenges would be important in ensuring the projects improve access to healthcare and the quality of services provided.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth and Social Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Mercy Mwangangi.
Representatives from the National Treasury, county governments and implementing partners also attended the meeting.
