Health Cabinet secretary Aden Duale Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Kenya’s health sector through reforms anchored on universal access, efficiency, and stronger public-private collaboration.
Speaking during the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF) Chief Executive Officers Forum in Nairobi, Duale said the ongoing reforms under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) place the private sector at the centre of healthcare delivery.
He noted that the health sector is being reshaped to respond to global geopolitical shifts affecting commodity security and supply chains, stressing the need for resilience and local production capacity.
“To date, SHA has disbursed KES 137.4 billion, including KES 63.8 billion to private providers, significantly expanding access to primary and specialised care,”he said.
Duale outlined four key pillars driving the reforms: sustainable healthcare financing through the Social Health Authority (SHA), strengthening primary healthcare and workforce investment, improving commodity security through local manufacturing, and accelerating digital transformation within the health system.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, SHA has already disbursed KSh 137.4 billion, with KSh 63.8 billion directed to private healthcare providers, expanding access to both primary and specialised services.
He further reported that 4,123 of the 10,646 facilities onboarded onto the SHA digital platform are privately owned, urging compliance with the unified tariff system while warning of strict action against fraud and malpractice.
On supply chain management, Duale said the government is reinforcing the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), which has achieved a 92% refill rate, alongside the rollout of integrated digital logistics systems and support for local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
He also acknowledged concerns raised by stakeholders regarding regulatory delays, pledging reforms at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to streamline approvals and improve licensing efficiency.
