Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has revealed key reforms aimed at improving the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies in major public hospitals.

He said the measures are part of a broader push to strengthen health delivery and support Universal Health Coverage.

In a statement shared on X on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the CS outlined the details of a high-level consultative meeting held with the CEOs of Level 6 National Referral Hospitals, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), and the Social Health Authority (SHA).

“Chaired a high-level consultative meeting with the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of our Level 6 National Referral Hospitals, alongside the leadership of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) and the Social Health Authority (SHA), culminating in the signing of a landmark Contract Addendum to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country,” the statement reads.

He said the reforms aim to accelerate the operationalisation of the Health Products and Technologies (HPT) Commodity Security Framework, ensuring that hospitals do not run out of critical medicines.

“The agreement accelerates the operationalisation of the Health Products and Technologies (HPT) Commodity Security Framework, a practical step to guarantee the steady availability of essential medicines and medical supplies,” Duale’s statement on X reads.

The CS explained that the revised Healthcare Provider Contract introduces a Split Payment Mechanism, which will allow SHA to directly pay KEMSA a dedicated share of approved claims, reducing delays and improving financial discipline.

“Under the revised Healthcare Provider Contract, a Split Payment Mechanism now allows SHA to remit a dedicated share of approved claims directly to KEMSA,” he wrote.

Duale also said the automated system will be supported by a Centralized Digital Platform managed by the Digital Health Agency, giving real-time data on supply, consumption, and orders to prevent stock-outs.

“This automated check-off system will ensure timely replenishment of critical commodities, reduce the risk of stock-outs in referral facilities and strengthen financial discipline across the health system,” he wrote.

“The reform is further supported by a Centralised Digital Platform managed by the Digital Health Agency (DHA), enabling real-time visibility of ordering, supply and consumption data, while enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in provider reimbursements,” Duale’s statement reads.

He concluded that these reforms will strengthen programs such as Bima Bora and Afya Nyumbani, making healthcare more reliable and accessible for every Kenyan.

“A reliable and transparent supply chain is fundamental to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Through these reforms, we are advancing Bima Bora and Afya Nyumbani, ensuring quality and affordable healthcare for every Kenyan,” Duale stated.