24/04/2026
One of the most candid moments this morning was the engagement with Hon. Aden Duale, EGH., the CS, Ministry of Health.
There was a clear sense that progress is being made, from improved settlement rates to the scale-up of digital health and access to care. But just as importantly, there was honesty about what still needs to be fixed.
A key commitment made during the session was the resumption of Monthly Ministerial Stakeholder Forums, creating a consistent platform for engagement and a significant step forward for the private sector in addressing ongoing challenges.
𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀:
There was recognition of improvements in settlement rates, now averaging over 70%, alongside significant strides in digital health adoption and access to care. Kenya continues to position itself as a leading example in advancing Universal Health Coverage, with millions already accessing primary and specialist services.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:
The government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing legacy NHIF debt, with KSh 4 billion already verified and allocated in the supplementary budget. The need for verification and continued collaboration was emphasized to ensure the timely disbursement of the remaining 1.3 billion.
𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Industry leaders raised key operational concerns, including cash flow constraints, the impact of additional levies, supply chain inefficiencies, and the need for zero-rating essential medicines. There was also a call for clearer data sharing and more predictable financing mechanisms to support sustainability across the ecosystem.
𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀:
Ongoing legislative and structural reforms, including quality-of-care frameworks and the rollout of a national emergency medical system, signal a shift toward more coordinated, patient-centered healthcare delivery.
What stood out most was the shared recognition that progress will depend on consistent dialogue, mutual accountability, and practical alignment between public and private-sector players. KHF will continue to convene these conversations.
