Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms, describing them as central to advancing equity and social justice.

Speaking on Thursday, August 14, 2025, during the 9th Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, themed “Human Rights and Social Justice”, Duale said the reforms were already producing measurable results and were aligned with the country’s goal of inclusive healthcare.

Four pillars driving reforms

The CS outlined four main pillars anchoring the reforms—equitable deployment of skilled health workers, health commodity security through Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) reforms targeting a 90 per cent order fill rate, rollout of the digital health superhighway, and restructured health financing under the Social Health Insurance framework.

According to a 2023 Ministry of Health report, these measures have contributed to a 10 per cent drop in maternal mortality, a 15 per cent rise in ICU and HDU capacity, improved immunisation coverage, and expanded access to oncology, dialysis, and other specialised services.

“Social justice in healthcare demands quality, accessible, affordable, and dignified care across all counties,” he said, adding that the ministry’s reforms and the spirit of devolution were mutually reinforcing in achieving equity and prosperity.

Launch of digital health agency plan

During the conference, Duale launched the Digital Health Agency (DHA) Strategic Plan, which he described as a major milestone in transforming healthcare delivery.

“Kenya’s digital health transformation is here, and it is real. It is reshaping how we deliver care, improve efficiency, and safeguard public resources,” he said.

The DHA plan includes the Taifa Health Care platform, integrating telemedicine, insurance management, and fraud prevention. It aims to create a secure, comprehensive digital ecosystem to improve healthcare accessibility, boost patient outcomes, and strengthen data protection.

Collaboration for inclusive healthcare

Duale pledged continued collaboration with county governments, health professionals, and development partners to ensure devolution meets its promise. He acknowledged Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s role in advancing equity and social justice, saying that healthcare reform was a shared national responsibility.

“With digitisation and the Comprehensive Integrated Health Information System, we are building a healthcare system that leaves no one behind,” he said.

The three-day Devolution Conference has brought together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to evaluate progress in devolved services, with health reform emerging as a central focus.