The Ministry of Health has moved to strengthen its collaboration with faith-based health providers as the government pushes forward the rollout of Taifa Care, the flagship programme under Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In a joint statement issued after a consultative meeting in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale lauded the role faith-based organizations (FBOs) continue to play in delivering healthcare to millions of Kenyans, especially in rural and underserved areas.
“Faith-based facilities have for decades stood in the gap where government hospitals are either too far or overstretched. We value this partnership because we cannot achieve UHC without them,” Duale said.
The meeting brought together top religious leaders, including Rt. Rev. Charles Asilutwa of the Christian Health Association of Kenya, Rt. Rev. Cleophas Oseso of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Rev. Dr. Robert Langat of MEDS, and Al Hajj Hassan Ole Naado of SUPKEM.
The ministry reported significant progress in the rollout of Taifa Care, with over 26.5 million Kenyans already enrolled under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Duale also revealed that the ongoing digitization drive had covered 3,386 out of 6,500 targeted facilities, including 100 faith-based hospitals that recently received gadgets and staff training.
To address persistent challenges in staffing, the government has set aside Ksh 6.1 billion to employ UHC workers, Ksh 9.9 billion to pay medical interns — some of whom serve in mission hospitals — and Ksh 3.2 billion to support Community Health Promoters.
A further Ksh 1.75 billion has already been used to clear doctors’ arrears.
“The financial commitment is a clear sign that we are walking the talk on strengthening the health workforce,” Duale said.
On their part, faith leaders welcomed the ministry’s progress, saying it reflects goodwill and a genuine commitment to resolve long-standing challenges.
Rev. Dr. Langat noted that timely supply of medicines and faster claims settlement were among the biggest concerns for faith-based hospitals.
“We are encouraged that KEMSA’s order fill rate is already improving and that SHA has pledged to pay claims on a first-in-first-out basis within 90 days,” he said.
Among the resolutions, the Ministry of Health will in the coming weeks launch new CT scan services at Tenwek and Dream Lands Hospitals.
SHA will also assign relationship managers to hospitals to handle account queries and organize joint clinics to improve service delivery.
In a bid to reach more Kenyans, churches and mosques will set up registration desks to help congregants enroll for Taifa Care. The consortium of FBOs is also expected to submit a list of needy remote facilities that require digital equipment.
The CS further revealed that he has already written to the Treasury seeking Ksh 5.4 billion to settle pending NHIF debts below Ksh 10 million, in line with President William Ruto’s directive.
Faith-based leaders and the ministry agreed to hold quarterly review meetings to ensure accountability and monitor progress.
“Taifa Care is not just a government project, it is a national mission. With the involvement of faith-based organizations, we are confident of reaching every Kenyan,” said Duale.
