Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health at Bunge Towers yesterday to present the 2026 Budget Policy Statement for the State Department for Medical Services.
The session, chaired by Seme MP Hon. James Nyikal, focused on the government’s plans to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system.
In his briefing, CS Duale highlighted that Kenyans are increasingly accessing world-class medical care locally.
He cited specialised surgeries, organ transplants, oncology treatments, PET scans, and mental health services being delivered at leading facilities including Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, and Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The CS also reported progress on the Health Manufacturing Hub, driven by the Kenya Medical Research Institute and Kenya BioVax Institute, which are advancing diagnostics production, laboratory expansion, and biomedical research.
Duale noted that these initiatives are positioning Kenya as a regional hub for health products.
Digital health advancements are also accelerating.
The Digital Health Agency Kenya is driving digitisation, telemedicine services, and health data protection, complementing ongoing investments in primary care, disease management, rehabilitation, and essential health commodities to enhance both prevention and treatment.
On sector reforms, CS Duale outlined transformative improvements at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), which have significantly improved turnaround times and increased order refill rates toward an 85% target.
A new fraud detection framework leveraging patient feedback and digital systems is being introduced, alongside the rollout of the Green Charter to protect patients from unlawful charges.
Targeted interventions are also underway in maternal and newborn health.
Twenty-six counties with the highest maternal and newborn mortality burden have been prioritised under a Rapid Results Initiative to expand emergency obstetric and newborn care, strengthen referrals, improve skilled birth attendance, and equip facilities with essential MNRH equipment.
CS Duale concluded by urging the Committee to champion progressive increases in health sector funding for FY 2026/27, support sustainable domestic resource mobilisation, resolve inherited system liabilities, and fast-track legislative harmonisation to sustain ongoing reforms.
He was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, as well as chief executive officers and technical heads from the Ministry.