Duale: 29 million Kenyans have registered for SHA

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has presented a comprehensive overview of Kenya’s healthcare system and legislative roadmap toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The presentation took place during the 2026 Legislative Retreat of the National Assembly, presided over by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

Addressing lawmakers, Duale detailed progress across five core pillars guiding Kenya’s UHC reforms, anchored on ongoing initiatives by the Ministry of Health.

He highlighted advancements under the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that “over 29 million Kenyans are now registered with a collection of Sh130.4 billion and Sh93.4 billion has been disbursed since rollout.”

To enhance access to government-financed primary healthcare, the ministry is implementing the Green Label Service Charter in public and private facilities across all 47 counties.

Duale emphasised the role of digital innovation in strengthening service delivery, reporting that “10,277 facilities [are] now onboarded to national digital health systems and 30,087 devices deployed nationwide, enabling real-time reporting from even the most remote health facilities and strengthening accountability and data-driven decision-making.”

The health workforce remains central to UHC reforms. Duale reaffirmed the critical contributions of 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) on the frontline and noted that UHC staff have been paid according to Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) rates since September 2025, “marking a significant milestone in workforce stabilisation.”

In supply chain management, Duale highlighted transformative reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), which has now achieved a 91 per cent fill rate for last-mile delivery.

Complementing this, the National Equipment Support Project (NESP) is equipping county hospitals with modern diagnostic and treatment equipment. Contracts worth KES 6.18 billion have been signed to expand access to specialised services at county level.

Addressing maternal and newborn health, Duale underscored initiatives under the Every Woman, Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) agenda and the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), targeting 26 priority counties.

“This includes strengthening emergency obstetric care and blood services—because no mother should lose her life while giving life,” he said.

Kenya is also advancing its role in Global Health Security through the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), with expanded laboratory networks and Emergency Operations Centres to improve early detection and response to public health threats and pandemics.

Duale called on the National Assembly to uphold health as a whole-of-government priority, stressing coordinated action across ministries.

He further emphasised the urgency of safeguarding healthcare standards, noting that the Ministry is fast-tracking the passage of the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025, “which will guarantee safe, high-quality healthcare for all Kenyans under SHA.”

A structured review and harmonisation of existing health laws is also being proposed to ensure constitutional alignment and coherent implementation across the sector.

The retreat was attended by senior health officials, including Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi, and Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health Dr James Nyikal.