Health Cabinet Secretary calls for stronger national-county collaboration to advance Universal Health Coverage
Garissa, Kenya - - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale joined national and county leaders and residents of Garissa County for the 2026 Devolution Sensitization Week held under the theme, “Devolution for Better Health, Empowered Communities.”
Addressing the forum, the Cabinet Secretary described devolution as one of Kenya’s most transformative governance reforms, noting that it has brought healthcare services closer to citizens while enabling county governments to respond more effectively to local health needs. He highlighted progress made in expanding health infrastructure, strengthening the health workforce, enhancing primary healthcare and investing in community health, resulting in improved access to quality healthcare across the country.
Hon. Duale reaffirmed that the partnership between the National Government and county governments remains central to the success of the health sector. While counties are responsible for healthcare service delivery, he noted that the National Government continues to provide policy leadership, regulatory oversight, strategic financing and technical support to ensure a coordinated approach to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
The Cabinet Secretary said hosting this year’s Devolution Sensitization Week in Garissa County reflects the Government’s commitment to equitable healthcare for all. He acknowledged the county’s progress in expanding health services while emphasising the need to address remaining disparities so that every Kenyan can access quality healthcare regardless of their location.
On maternal and newborn health, Hon. Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths through the strengthening of the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response programme. He also commended the Council of Governors for championing the Inter-County Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response Initiative, which continues to promote collaboration, accountability and the sharing of best practices among counties.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the Government’s ongoing health reforms, including the implementation of the Social Health Authority, expansion of Primary Healthcare, strengthening of Community Health Promoters and rollout of Primary Care Networks, describing them as critical pillars in building an inclusive, resilient and sustainable health system.
Recognising healthcare workers as the foundation of service delivery, Hon. Duale called for sustained collaboration between the Ministry of Health, county governments, the Council of Governors, healthcare worker unions and other stakeholders to address workforce issues through dialogue and consensus. He stressed that industrial harmony is essential to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for all Kenyans.
He further acknowledged the important contribution of development partners, faith-based organisations, civil society and the private sector in strengthening county health systems and supporting the delivery of national health priorities.
As preparations continue for the Kenya Health Summit 2026, the Cabinet Secretary urged counties to build on the lessons, innovations and partnerships emerging from the Devolution Sensitization Week to strengthen intergovernmental collaboration, enhance accountability and accelerate the delivery of Universal Health Coverage.
The event was attended by leaders from both levels of government, including Garissa County Governor H.E. Nathif Jama, Mombasa County Governor and Chairperson of the Council of Governors Health Committee H.E. Abdulswamad Nassir, Senate Devolution Committee Chairperson Hon. Mohamed Abass, National Assembly Devolution Committee Chairperson Hon. Peter Lochakapong, Council of Governors Chief Executive Officer Ms Mary Mwiti, and senior national and county government officials.