Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Monday, April 14, 2025, convened a high-level consultative meeting with the Council of Governors (CoG) Health Committee to align on key national health priorities and strategies.

The Ministry of Health, in a statement shared via social media, noted that key items on the agenda included the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), nationwide digitisation of healthcare systems, and the integration of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff.

Wajir Governor and CoG Health Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi led the governors in the meeting. He was also joined by CoG Vice Chairperson and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga.

The Ministry of Health was represented by Duale, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai, and Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth.

“Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today held a consultative meeting with the Council of Governors (CoG) Health Committee, led by Wajir Governor and CoG Health Chairperson H.E. Ahmed Abdullahi, to deliberate on emerging issues in the health sector. Key among the matters discussed were the implementation and rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), digitisation of the health system, and the absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff—areas critical to the effective delivery of healthcare services and the realisation of national health reforms,” the statement read in part.

During the meeting, it was agreed that the Digital Health Agency will assess and consider operational health information systems within the counties and expedite the digitalisation of all health facilities across Kenya’s 47 counties.

SHA allocation

It was also agreed that the Social Health Authority (SHA) would consider increased allocation for emergency, chronic, and critical illness cases.

The two sides further agreed to set aside resources for the training and capacity building of Level 2 and Level 5 health facility in-charges on registration processes, system optimisation, and SHA product offerings.

“The meeting reached consensus on several key issues. It was agreed that the Digital Health Agency will assess and consider operational health information systems within the counties and expedite the digitalisation of all health facilities across Kenya’s 47 counties. This is expected to support the implementation of ongoing and future health initiatives,” MoH stated.

“On the SHA, the meeting agreed that the Authority would consider increased allocation for emergency, chronic, and critical illness cases. In addition, resources will be set aside for the training and capacity building of Level 2 and Level 5 health facility in-charges on registration processes, system optimisation, and SHA product offerings. These measures are aligned with the broader goals of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which aims to enhance the resilience and responsiveness of Kenya’s health system.”

CS Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of all Kenyans, noting that partnerships with county governments remain central to effective health service delivery. He also emphasised the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the health sector.