Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has officially opened the 53rd Annual Scientific Conference of the Kenya Medical Association, highlighting ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
The conference, held under the theme “Beyond resilience: Building smart, connected and inclusive health systems,” brought together local and international delegates to discuss the future of healthcare delivery in Kenya.
Speaking at the event, Duale said the theme aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.
“At the centre of these reforms is the Social Health Authority, which continues to expand access to healthcare and strengthen sustainable financing,” Duale said.
According to the CS, the Social Health Authority has so far registered over 30.4 million Kenyans, collected Sh 169.19 billion in contributions, and disbursed Sh 124.53 billion to more than 10,600 health facilities across the country.
Duale also revealed that the Ministry is rolling out a Comprehensive Integrated Health Information Management System aimed at creating a more connected and data-driven health sector.
“Through the national health information exchange, over 10,000 facilities are now linked, with thousands already onboarded onto the Taifa Care system to enhance accountability and efficiency,” he noted.
On medical supplies, the CS said reforms in Health Products and Technologies are improving service delivery, with strengthened systems at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority supporting distribution of essential commodities.
He added that the National Equipment Support Project, backed by Sh 6.18 billion, has equipped 120 facilities across all 47 counties, expanding access to specialised healthcare services.
Duale further highlighted efforts to strengthen the health workforce through the development of a new policy and ongoing training reforms.
“We are aligning competencies with a digital and universal health coverage-driven system to ensure our workforce meets emerging healthcare demands,” he said.
The CS also pointed to legislative reforms, noting that the proposed Quality of Care and Patient Safety Bill, 2025, currently before the National Assembly, will enhance patient rights and safety if passed.
“Ongoing reviews of key health laws will modernise the sector and ensure it meets current and future needs,” Duale added.
The conference is expected to foster collaboration between the government and medical professionals as Kenya works toward building a more resilient, inclusive, and people-centred health system.
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