Kenya is moving towards a better way of preventing diseases as the Health Ministry explains to Parliament why it spent money in the 2026 budget
While presenting the 2026 Budget Policy Statement for the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards to the Departmental Committee on Health of the National Assembly, led by Seme MP James Nyikal, the Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Aden Duale, said that the focus of the health sector is to ensure that the health system is centered on the early detection of diseases, health education, and the availability of health services within the community.
He said that prevention is always cheaper than the actual health care costs, especially when dealing with diseases that affect many.
One of the plans by the ministry is to ensure that the Primary Care Networks are enhanced, thus enabling many citizens to get health care, screening, and other forms of treatment within their respective communities.
The ministry also plans to ensure that disease surveillance is enhanced, thus helping to prevent the spread of diseases.
According to the Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, of the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, the government will invest in the training and support of health professionals, internship, and the maintenance of professional standards.
Another plan by the ministry is the enhancement of digital health systems, which will help the sector.
Funding is also a challenge that the health sector has, and the MPs were also addressed by the Health Ministry, which said that the issue of funding is crucial for the development of a strong health system that will help the nation in the future. The proposals, if approved, will likely influence the health care system within the country, especially within the community.