CS Duale Presides Over Signing of BREHS Intergovernmental Agreements to Strengthen Primary Healthcare
Nairobi, Kenya - 3 March 2026 - Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale today presided over the signing of Intergovernmental Participatory Agreements (IPAs) under the Building Resilient and Responsive Health Systems (BREHS) Project, marking a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the National and County Governments to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking during the ceremony, the CS reaffirmed that access to healthcare is both a constitutional right and a moral responsibility of government, citing Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest attainable standard of health. He emphasised that the Government remains committed to ensuring all Kenyans—regardless of geography, income, gender, age, or vulnerability—can access quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services.
The Cabinet Secretary also acknowledged the continued support of the World Bank, noting that the partnership has played a key role in strengthening Kenya’s health systems and improving health outcomes.
The BREHS Project, a five-year initiative running from 31 January 2025 to 30 June 2029, seeks to improve the utilisation and quality of primary healthcare services while strengthening institutional capacity across all 47 counties and at the national level. The project places strong emphasis on strengthening services at the community and primary care levels, where most Kenyans first seek treatment.
Under Component 2, the programme will support counties to improve access to essential Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) and enhance service delivery at primary healthcare facilities. Priority interventions focus on Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCA) in ten high-priority counties: Kilifi, Kwale, Narok, Homa Bay, West Pokot, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Turkana, and Tana River.
The initiative aims to accelerate progress in reducing maternal mortality, preventing adolescent pregnancies, expanding access to family planning, and strengthening neonatal and child health services to ensure every child has a healthy start to life.
The project will also enhance health services in refugee camps and host communities, particularly in Garissa and Turkana, promoting equitable access to care for vulnerable populations.
CS Duale described the signing of the agreements as a demonstration of shared responsibility, accountability, and strengthened intergovernmental collaboration, urging all stakeholders to prioritise timely and effective implementation to deliver tangible health improvements.
The signing ceremony was attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Council of Governors Chairperson H.E. Ahmed Abdullahi, COG Health Committee Chairperson H.E. Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir, Dr. Elizabeth Wangia of the World Bank, 13 Governors and 10 Deputy Governors, alongside senior Ministry of Health officials.