Nairobi: Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has today presided over the Performance Contract signing ceremony for the financial year 2024/2025 with Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) and Regulatory Bodies under the Ministry of Health. The CS emphasised the crucial role of performance contracting within the public sector framework, highlighting that it ensures institutions have clear, measurable targets aligned with national priorities.
According to Kenya News Agency, this initiative fosters accountability and a results-oriented culture across ministries, departments, and agencies. 'We are at a critical juncture in the health sector. The expectations placed upon us by His Excellency the President and the people of Kenya are high, especially as we work towards implementing the Social Health Insurance (SHI) schemes under TaifaCare,' Duale stated, urging the agencies not to leave room for mistakes.
This year's performance contracts prioritize the rollout of SHIF and other flagship programmes essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), he noted and underscored the urgency of the initiatives, which are key to improving healthcare in the country. The CS called upon all SAGAs under the Ministry of Health to uphold integrity at all levels, vowing to fight corruption ruthlessly.
The signing ceremony marks the next phase following earlier contract signings with the President and Cabinet Secretaries, and the former Health Cabinet Secretary with the two Principal Secretaries. According to the CS, although the signing experienced some delays due to the validation and vetting processes, implementation has already begun in many institutions, demonstrating a strong commitment to this initiative.
Duale urged institutional heads to ensure that performance targets are cascaded down to directorates and divisions, encouraging a culture of appraising staff against these targets to enhance service delivery. He also articulated key principles for operational success, including mutual respect, integrity, clear communication, teamwork, and diligent resource utilisation.
Acknowledging the challenges presented by resource constraints and the recent USG Stop Work Order effective January 19th, 2025, the Cabinet Secretary called for innovation, efficiency, and responsible stewardship of resources. He emphasised the importance of supporting the ministry's planning department and maintaining prompt and accurate performance reporting.
The CS reiterated the crucial role each agency plays in executing the national Health Agenda, a cornerstone of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and encouraged all stakeholders to remain focused and resolute in their efforts to achieve the health sector's objectives. Government performance contracting is a tool for improving service delivery and achieving national development goals, involving negotiated agreements between the government and agencies to define mutual performance commitments and obligations.