24/09/2025
The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni, this morning featured on Radio Citizen’s Jambo Kenya show, engaging the nation on critical health matters.
She emphasized the Government’s multi-agency approach in tackling drug and substance abuse, highlighting the coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Health, NACADA, law enforcement agencies, county governments, and faith-based institutions. Prevention, rehabilitation, and strong community sensitization, she noted, remain central to protecting young people and safeguarding future generations.
Turning to the Social Health Authority (SHA), the PS explained the services available under the newly established body, which is central to the roll-out of Universal Health Coverage. She outlined how Kenyans can access affordable health services without the risk of financial hardship and reassured the public that mechanisms are in place to ensure accountability, transparency, and equity in service delivery.
She also spoke about the Community Health Program, highlighting the critical role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) as the backbone of primary health care. With over 100,000 CHPs already equipped and deployed nationwide, the program ensures that every household has direct access to health education, preventive services, referrals, and linkages to health facilities. This investment, she underlined, is key to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Addressing the situation of disease outbreaks in the country, the PS assured Kenyans that the Ministry, in collaboration with county governments and other partners, has strengthened disease surveillance, rapid response systems, and resource mobilization to contain outbreaks swiftly. She called for public vigilance, timely reporting, and adherence to preventive health measures to curb the spread of infections.
