New National Equipment Support Program Will Allow Counties to Retain 15% of Profits

𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐮, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 

The National Equipment Support Program is set to strengthen healthcare across counties, replacing the Managed Equipment Services (MES) program. 

Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, announced in Kisumu that the program will allow counties to retain 15% of generated profits, providing an opportunity for local reinvestment in healthcare. 

Speaking to county commissioners and health leaders from Kisii, Nyamira, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Vihiga, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, and Trans Nzoia, Kimtai confirmed that all governors have signed agreements with the ministry, and contracts will be signed once county-specific equipment lists are submitted. Kimtai emphasized the program's goal to elevate public healthcare facilities to match private and faith-based hospital standards, including fully equipped operating theatre's.

 He stressed that the initiative’s success will benefit both county and national governments, ensuring medical equipment availability through strong national oversight. Kimtai also thanked the commissioner, CECs and the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) for their participation, urging them to form committees at county and sub-county levels to support SHA registration in partnership with SHA. He highlighted the importance of county ownership under the SHA Act and collaboration across all levels of government to effectively address any challenges. 

Acknowledging that change can be met with resistance, Kimtai emphasized a collaborative approach, especially as counties adopt the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to meet the target of reaching 50 million Kenyans. He conveyed the President's focus on SHA's success as a cornerstone of the healthcare agenda and reaffirmed SHA’s essential role in achieving this vision. 

The PS also informed that the government has distributed 5,000 devices to health facilities nationwide, with 65,000 more to follow. Murang’a County’s pilot program was noted as a model, having shown increased revenue with the new system. 

CEC Caucus vice chair Ruth Koech and Secretary Roslyne Omollo, DG Health Dr Patrick Amoth, DDG Dr Z. Gura, SHA leadership among others attended the event and pledged to support the SHA rollout across counties. Committees will be established at county and sub-county levels to oversee SHA registration and address challenges down to the local level.