Health CS outlines UHC reforms at National Assembly retreat

Naivasha, Kenya - 28 January 2026 - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today briefed Members of the National Assembly at the 2026 Legislative Retreat on the state of Kenya’s healthcare system and the legislative pathway towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He highlighted progress under the Social Health Authority (SHA), with over 29 million Kenyans registered and KES 93.4 billion disbursed, alongside the rollout of the Green Label Service Charter to expand access to quality primary healthcare nationwide.

The CS reported major gains in health digitisation, with 10,277 facilities connected to national systems and 30,087 digital devices deployed, as well as strengthened human resources for health, anchored by 107,000 Community Health Promoters and improved UHC staff remuneration under SRC rates.

Additional updates included KEMSA reforms raising the national fill rate to 91 per cent, KES 6.18 billion invested in medical equipment through NESP, targeted maternal health interventions in 26 high-burden counties, and expanded global health security capacity through KNPHI.

Hon. Duale called for health to be treated as a whole-of-government priority and announced plans to fast-track the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025, alongside a broader review of health legislation.