Duale explains UHC milestone under Kenya Kwanza regime
By Cynthia Lodite, April 17, 2026Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has outlined key milestones in the ongoing transformation of Kenya’s healthcare system as the government accelerates implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In a post on his official X account on Friday, April 17, 2026, Duale affirmed that advancing UHC remains a top priority in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
According to the health CS, following a strong national-county collaboration, advanced medical equipment is being deployed across hospitals.
While explaining details on the deployment, Duale revealed that all advanced medical equipment is done under the National Equipment Support Programme (NESP).
“Advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) remains a top priority for H.E. President @WilliamsRuto‘s administration. Through strong national–county collaboration, advanced medical equipment is being deployed across hospitals under the National Equipment Support Programme (NESP),” he stated.
In addition, Duale further highlighted measures taken by the ministry to prevent patients from incurring high upfront costs.
“The ‘fee-for-service’ model, avoiding heavy upfront costs, is expanding access to critical services such as CT scans, radiology and specialised diagnostics closer to communities,” he explained.
UHC inception
President William Ruto officially launched Kenya’s revamped Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan on October 20, 2023, during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kericho County.
An initiative he noted was a cornerstone of his administration’s health agenda, aiming to guarantee that all Kenyans have access to quality healthcare without facing financial hardship.
On April 1, 2026, Duale held a consultative meeting with the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP), chaired by Prof. Walter Jaoko, to review progress in designing health benefit packages and setting fair, evidence-based tariffs for critical services, including ICU and oncology care.
According to the Ministry of Health, the session focused on strengthening key pillars of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with the panel playing a central role in improving service delivery under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Among the milestones highlighted were progress in developing overseas treatment frameworks, strengthening primary healthcare systems, enhancing ambulance and referral networks, and reviewing the haemato-oncology package—key elements in advancing Kenya’s Taifa Care Model.
Discussions also addressed practical measures to accelerate implementation, improve quality of care, and align priority interventions based on lessons emerging from the rollout of SHA.