Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has underscored the government’s recent progress in healthcare delivery, using President William Ruto’s State of the Nation Address to highlight reforms aimed at expanding access and easing costs for Kenyan households.
The President issued the address during a joint sitting of Parliament in Nairobi, accompanied by three mandatory reports on national values, international commitments, and security.
In his statement responding to the address, Duale said the administration’s ongoing reforms reflect a renewed effort to strengthen the health sector, which has been a recurring campaign pledge across multiple election cycles.
He pointed to the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) as a major shift in the country’s financing model, noting that it is designed to replace outdated systems that often left low-income families exposed to high medical bills.
The SHA forms part of the wider Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which the Kenya Kwanza coalition has promoted as its blueprint for economic and social restructuring.
Duale said the authority will enable Kenyans at different income levels to access medical services without the fear of catastrophic expenses, adding that implementation is ongoing across counties.
The emphasis on equitable access mirrors earlier national debates over the limitations of the previous NHIF system.
Ruto also spotlighted the Taifa Care Model during the address, describing it as a key pillar in redefining primary healthcare. Duale echoed this position, saying the model’s focus on community-based interventions is essential in improving early detection and reducing pressure on major hospitals.
The model is being rolled out at a time when counties continue to face challenges staffing and equipping local health facilities.
According to the President’s address, more than 107,000 Community Health Promoters have been deployed to strengthen local health units and maintain regular contact with households.
Duale said the promoters are central to expanding promotive and preventive care, a shift that aligns with global health trends and Kenya’s long-standing efforts to improve outcomes in rural regions. Their work includes health education, follow-up visits, and linking patients to nearby facilities.
Duale added that the measures outlined by the President reaffirm the administration’s commitment to a people-centred health system.
He stated that the overarching goal remains to ensure equitable care and improve national productivity through a healthier population. Further updates on SHA rollout and county-level coordination are expected from the Ministry of Health in the coming weeks.