Mombasa: Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government's commitment to establishing a people-centred, equitable, transparent, and financially sustainable healthcare system. Speaking before the National Assembly Health Committee in Mombasa, CS Duale highlighted the government's dedication to fully implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the transformative Taifa Care programme.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative is anchored on four key pillars: Health Financing, Digital Health Systems, Human Resources for Health, and Health Commodity Security. "Through these pillars, we are not merely reforming healthcare; we are building a system that safeguards lives, restores dignity, and ensures that no Kenyan is left behind," stated CS Duale when he appeared before the National Assembly Health Committee in Mombasa.
The government has made significant strides in reforming health financing through the rollout of the Social Health Insurance framework under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023. The CS informed the committee that since the operationalization of the act on October 1, 2024, over 24.4 million Kenyans have enrolled on Taifa Care, with a total of 5.8 million Kenyans undergoing means testing to ensure equity in contributions.
To support service delivery, the Social Health Authority (SHA) has empanelled 9,365 healthcare facilities, comprising 5,219 public, 3,650 private, and 496 faith-based institutions. These facilities serve an estimated 6.2 million Kenyans through the Primary Health Care Fund (PHCF) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). "Notably, over 4.3 million Kenyans have accessed free primary care under PHCF, while 1.9 million have benefited from specialised care under SHIF, including dialysis, imaging, cancer care, and maternal health," expounded the CS.
CS Duale emphasized the importance of digital transformation in the healthcare sector. Through the Digital Health Agency (DHA), the government is implementing a Comprehensive Integrated Health Information System, enabling real-time service tracking and eliminating inefficiencies. Over 13,000 users have been trained, and digitisation is now active in 24 counties, covering both county governments and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) facilities.
On health commodity security, the Ministry has embarked on extensive reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, aimed at restoring confidence and ensuring the availability of essential medicines. "These efforts include the recapitalization of KEMSA to ensure sustained access to medical commodities for all public health facilities," said CS Duale.
Acknowledging the indispensable role of healthcare workers, the CS disclosed that in the 2025/2026 budget, the ministry has committed Sh6.2 billion for UHC contract health workers, Sh1.75 billion to settle outstanding medical arrears, Sh4.2 billion for intern deployment, and Sh3.2 billion for Community Health Promoters. Additionally, the government is investing Sh13 billion in Primary Healthcare and Sh8 billion in Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness services.
Unlike the defunct NHIF, which was plagued by inefficiencies, CS Duale noted that Taifa Care is built on the principles of transparency, equity, and efficiency. Administrative costs are capped at 5 per cent, ensuring that 95 per cent of contributions directly support healthcare services. "Means Testing ensures that contributions are proportionate to income. Mama Mboga no longer pays the same as a CEO. Through the Lipa SHA Pole initiative, the informal sector now enjoys flexible, interest-free premium payment options," stated the CS.
CS Duale added that over 1.8 million informal sector contributors have registered and paid premiums, nearly double the annual enrolment achieved under NHIF. SHA has ensured monthly reimbursements to providers, thereby guaranteeing continuity of care and stabilising the health system. To further expand access and reduce out-of-pocket expenses, the Ministry has forged strategic partnerships with private healthcare providers, including Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, and pharmaceutical companies such as Roche. These collaborations have helped reduce treatment costs.