Health CS Duale Pushes for Faster UHC Rollout, Warns Against System Abuse in Kisumu Address

𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐮, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 – 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms, calling for urgency and accountability in service delivery across the country.

Speaking during a strategic public engagement at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex in Kisumu County, CS Duale outlined the Ministry’s progress under the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that 295 healthcare providers have already been empanelled—135 of them public health facilities.

“Despite this progress, 12 facilities are yet to sign their contracts and 8 have reported service or claim gaps. I am calling on county leadership to move swiftly to finalise contracting and resolve any system inactivity that may disrupt access to care,” he said.

The CS emphasised that the Taifa Care model must remain people-centred, with deliberate efforts to reach the most vulnerable—regardless of age, income, or social status. He further noted that SHA has introduced stronger mechanisms for transparency and accountability, including the use of artificial intelligence to detect fraud.

“We are building a health system that is not only efficient but also inclusive and accountable,” said Duale.

Issuing a stern warning, the Cabinet Secretary cautioned public and private healthcare facilities against compromising quality or manipulating the system. “Any facility found to be undermining the integrity of these reforms will be shut down. The misuse of OTP doctors’ pre-authorization codes is a serious breach and will not be tolerated,” he said.

The Kisumu engagement forms part of the Ministry’s wider strategy to strengthen public trust, reinforce intergovernmental collaboration, and deliver on the promise of UHC for every Kenyan.