Health CS Aden Duale has tipped the ongoing reforms in the healthcare sector under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to redress the challenges that have plagued the sector for decades.

While championing the comprehensive healthcare reforms by William Ruto’s government as a game changer on Friday, September 19, 2025, the CS disclosed that in over 25 Kenyan counties were now not offering referral services, having been equipped with requisite machines such as ultrasound, CT scan and dialysis machines.

“You advocated an overhaul of the health system, and we have shifted to a people-centred health approach. Today, in over 25 of our counties, there is no referral system. We have equipped them under a national program, and you will find dialysis machines, CT Scan, complete theatres and labs and Kenyans can get those services near their homes,” he stated.

The CS also defended the much-maligned reforms under the SHA programme, stressing that the changes in the sector would see the government take control in curbing cases of manipulation and eliminating quacks in the medical profession.

Equaliser

The CS termed the reforms a major equaliser through its approach to see all Kenyans covered regardless of social status or tribe.

“The digital system has greater capability, we will eliminate fake drugs, fake doctors and fake facilities and enhance quality of healthcare across the board. In the new healthcare(Taifa care), the patient is the boss, and the most important element is the delivery of the healthcare system,” he stated.

On a political note, Duale said the reason why Ruto is being opposed is for allowing Kenyans to freely access and tour the State House.

“Mimi, nilikua nakuja State House, wakati wa mheshimiwa Uhuru na Mheshimiwa Kibaki na sijawahi kuona Wakenya wa tabaka hii kuja kukaa hapa.

“Ndio maana uko na adui wengi. Maadui wengi wanakupiga kwa sababu umesema hi nyumba (State House) ni ya Wakenya.

“Hii nyumba ni ya kila mtu kwa sababu hawa walikupigia kura. Wako na haki kikatiba kama waalimu, madaktari na Wakenya wa tabaka mbali mbali kuja hapa kujadiliana na kiongozi wao,” Duale said.

Duale added that Ruto’s generosity and openness in engaging Kenyans directly at the State House are unprecedented.

He praised the Head of State for creating a welcoming environment for citizens from all walks of life, saying this explains why some critics have reacted negatively.

“President Ruto has shown a level of inclusivity that we have never seen before. People are angry because this is not how politics has been done, but it is the right way,” Duale noted.