Duale pushes for health reforms in strategic talks with global partners
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 10, 2026Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale has led a high-level delegation to Riruta Level 4 Hospital in Nairobi for talks aimed at strengthening Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme and health systems.
In a post on his X account, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, Duale said the visit brought together senior international and government partners to explore ways of improving healthcare delivery in the country.
“With the Vice President of the International Development Association (IDA), Mr. Akihiko Nishio, the World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, Dr. Ndiamé Diop and senior representatives of the French Government, including seven French Members of Parliament, we held a high-level strategic visit to Riruta Level 4 Hospital,” Duale said.
Building stronger health systems
He said the discussions focused on building stronger and more responsive health systems that put people at the centre of care.
“The discussions focused on strengthening resilient, people-centred healthcare systems through continued investment in community health services, modern health infrastructure, efficient referral networks, digital health systems and a highly skilled health workforce,” he said.
Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare under the UHC agenda. He said Kenya is focusing on both financing reforms and frontline service delivery to ensure no one is left behind.
“I reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing equitable and affordable healthcare, anchored on the Social Health Authority (SHA) sustainable financing framework,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), saying they remain central to preventive and primary healthcare across the country.
“[The system is] supported by over 107,000 Community Health Promoters delivering preventive and primary healthcare services across the country,” he noted.
Health manufacturing drive
The Cabinet Secretary also pointed to ongoing plans to strengthen Kenya’s pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing sector. He said local production would improve supply chains, boost health security, and support economic growth.
“We also underscored the importance of expanding local pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing to strengthen health security, build stable supply chains and support economic growth,” Duale said.
The meeting comes ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, which Kenya and France will co-host. Duale said the forum will provide a platform for broader discussions on health and development priorities across the continent.
“As Kenya and the French Government prepare to co-host the Africa Forward Summit beginning tomorrow, the forum will further strengthen dialogue and partnerships on Africa’s health and development priorities,” he said.
He thanked development partners, including the International Development Association and the World Bank, for their continued support in Kenya’s health reforms.
“I commend the continued support of the IDA, the World Bank and our development partners in advancing healthcare reforms and expanding access to quality healthcare services across the country,” he said.
Senior officials who accompanied him included Principal Secretaries Dr Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Nairobi County Health CECM Suzanne Silantoi, and other Ministry of Health officials. The French delegation was led by MP Louise Morel, President of the Kenya–France Parliamentary Friendship Group.