Health CS Duale Hosts UK Delegation to Strengthen Collaboration in Health Security, Innovation, and UHC Reforms
Nairobi, Kenya - - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale held a bilateral meeting with a United Kingdom delegation led by Dr Ed Barnett, the UK Chargé d’Affaires to Kenya, to advance shared priorities in health security, innovation, and the ongoing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms.
The discussions highlighted the UK’s technical expertise in outbreak analytics, laboratory system strengthening, simulation-based emergency preparedness, and response to high-threat pathogens. These areas remain crucial as Kenya intensifies cross-border disease surveillance and national readiness following recent regional and global public health threats.
Both sides identified priority areas for collaboration, including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, technology transfer, quality assurance, and digital product authentication systems. These interventions form the backbone of Kenya’s drive to expand local manufacturing, establish county-level production hubs, and align with global standards as the country works towards achieving WHO Maturity Level 3 (ML3).
Hon. Duale also briefed the delegation on progress under the Social Health Authority (SHA), including the rollout of digital claims management, geo-fenced service authentication, enhanced fraud-prevention tools, and strengthened data-governance frameworks. With the UK’s experience in NHS digital systems, opportunities were identified to bolster Kenya’s evolving health data ecosystem.
The meeting further underscored the role of research and innovation in health sector transformation. The UK–Kenya Health Global Innovation Network was highlighted as a key platform for scaling AI-driven diagnostics, expanding early-screening technologies, and supporting commercialisation of locally developed health solutions.
Ongoing collaboration under the Kenya–UK Health Alliance continues to deliver impact in oncology services, molecular diagnostics, palliative care, clinical research, cancer-centre linkages, virtual tumour boards, and UK-based oncology fellowships.
Hon. Duale also referenced Kenya’s wider international engagements, including the recently signed Health and Data Sharing Cooperation Framework with the United States and preparations for the World Health Summit Africa in
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The CS was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms Mary Muthoni, NPHI Director-General Dr Maureen Kamene, Director of Family Health Dr Joel Gondi, and senior Ministry officials.