President William Ruto has placed Kenya’s health reforms at the centre of a national conversation with citizens, as the government highlighted progress in the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), expansion of medical equipment and the recruitment of thousands of healthcare workers.
The Presidential Town Hall, held during the Kenya Health Summit 2026, brought together government officials, health stakeholders and members of the public, with Kenyans given an opportunity to share their experiences, concerns and expectations regarding the ongoing transformation of the healthcare system.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale led the Ministry of Health delegation during the session, which focused on the progress made so far, as well as areas where citizens said further intervention is required.
The government said the Social Health Authority has so far registered 32.3 million Kenyans, marking one of the major milestones in the transition towards the new health financing system.
At the community level, the Ministry said 107,000 Community Health Promoters are now providing health education, screening, early detection and referral services across the country.
The government also used the forum to outline investments made in strengthening health facilities through the National Equipment Service Programme.
Through the KSh9.8 billion programme, the government said it has delivered 52 digital X-ray units, 72 ultrasound machines and six mammography units, while 39 CT scanners have been installed across health facilities.
The programme has also seen the renovation and equipping of 67 theatres and the establishment of 157 laboratories, alongside specialised urology and ear, nose and throat theatres.
At Kenyatta National Hospital, the government said the replacement of the linear accelerator machine is expected to strengthen cancer treatment, while the facility now has 32 fully equipped theatres supporting specialised and complex medical procedures.
The government further highlighted investments in the health workforce, saying 7,414 health workers have been employed on permanent and pensionable terms, while another 28,174 have been deployed across counties.
The posting of interns and implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement were also cited as part of the measures aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.
The Ministry said digital health systems are increasingly playing a central role in the reforms by improving access to real-time information, supporting telemedicine and strengthening the tracking and tracing of medical products.
The town hall, according to the Ministry, was designed to ensure that the experiences of ordinary Kenyans remain part of the government’s health reform agenda.
The conversation comes as the Ruto administration continues to defend its health reforms amid public scrutiny over the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund to the new Social Health Authority system.
“The voices and experiences of Kenyans must continue to shape a more accessible, accountable and people-centred health system,” the Ministry said.
