Kenya Stream News, Nairobi (2026)

30/06/2026

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞.

Every journey to Lake Baringo now tells a different story. What was once dry land has become open water as the lake continues its relentless expansion, transforming one of Kenya’s most scenic destinations into a landscape of uncertainty.

Visitors returning to the lake are finding familiar roads submerged, tourist lodges partially underwater, and homes disappearing beneath the advancing shoreline. Each visit reveals a new waterfront, highlighting the dramatic pace at which the lake is reshaping the surrounding landscape.

While Lake Baringo remains a breathtaking destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and adventure travelers, the rising waters have become an ever-present reminder of the environmental challenges facing Kenya’s Rift Valley. Communities that once depended on tourism, fishing, and lakeside businesses are being forced to relocate as the shoreline steadily moves inland. (Greenpeace)

Scientists attribute the continuing rise to a combination of prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, sedimentation within the lake basin, and geological processes associated with the Great Rift Valley. The phenomenon has affected several Rift Valley lakes, but Lake Baringo remains among the hardest hit, with infrastructure, roads, schools, and tourism facilities increasingly threatened. (africasacountry.com)

For adventurers exploring Lake Baringo today, every boat ride passes through a landscape where nature is redrawing the map—one shoreline at a time.

14/06/2026

𝐂𝐒 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞, 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚.

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, today officially launched the Northern Regional Blood Transfusion Centre (RBTC) and unveiled the Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Blood, Blood Components and Blood Products at Garissa County Referral Hospital during the 2026 World Blood Donor Day celebrations.

The newly established facility marks a major milestone in expanding access to safe and timely blood transfusion services across North Eastern Kenya. The Centre will serve Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, and parts of Isiolo and Kitui counties, significantly improving access to critical blood services for communities that have historically faced challenges due to long distances and logistical constraints.

Speaking during the launch, CS Duale noted that the facility will eliminate the need to transport blood samples to Nairobi for screening and processing, a process that often caused delays during medical emergencies. The Centre is expected to drastically reduce turnaround times, strengthen emergency response capacity, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the quality of healthcare services across the region.

The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with an Abbott Alinity analyzer capable of screening transfusion-transmissible infections and will support the testing of approximately 40,862 blood units annually. It also boasts a storage capacity of more than 600 blood units, significantly increasing regional blood reserves and preparedness for emergencies.

CS Duale commended development partners for their support in the project, noting that the Ministry of Health and its partners jointly invested approximately KSh 100 million towards the construction, renovation, equipping, and operationalization of the Centre.

“This achievement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Kenya’s blood transfusion services and ensuring equitable access to life-saving healthcare for all Kenyans,” said Duale.

The Health Cabinet Secretary further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to mobilizing additional resources to upgrade the remaining Regional Blood Transfusion Centres and satellite blood banks nationwide.

In a further boost to maternal and newborn healthcare, CS Duale also flagged off seven modern obstetric theatre beds donated through the support of World Health Organization. The beds form part of a consignment of 108 units being distributed across 15 counties to strengthen emergency obstetric care and improve maternal health outcomes.

The event was attended by Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services Director Dr. Martin Sirengo, Family Health Director Dr. Bashir Issak, Secretary Administration for the State Department for Public Health Adan Harakhe, and hosted by Nathif Jama alongside senior national and county government officials.

13/06/2026

𝐂𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐎𝐇𝐈𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋, 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐀.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale concluded the first day of his extensive development tour of Garissa County with an emotional return to Ohio Primary School, an institution he established nearly three decades ago during his tenure as the Member of Parliament for Dujis Constituency.

The visit marked a significant homecoming for the Cabinet Secretary, who reflected on the school’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current role in shaping the future of generations of learners in the region. CS Duale engaged with the school’s management and teachers, commending their dedication to advancing the vision of quality education that inspired the institution’s establishment.

During his visit, the CS also inspected the ongoing construction of modern classrooms at Ohio Madrassa, a project being implemented under his direct sponsorship. The new facilities are expected to provide a conducive learning environment that supports both religious and contemporary education, reinforcing efforts to nurture morally upright and academically empowered students.

Addressing residents during a public baraza held at Ohio, CS Duale shifted focus to key healthcare priorities, highlighting the Government’s continued commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes across the country.

He reiterated that maternity services remain free at Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities and urged expectant mothers to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access quality healthcare services. The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of skilled delivery in health facilities as a critical measure in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.

The visit underscored CS Duale’s longstanding commitment to community development through investments in education, healthcare, and social empowerment, while reaffirming the Government’s resolve to deliver essential services closer to the people.

13/06/2026

𝐂𝐒 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚.

Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale continued his development tour of Garissa County by presiding over the graduation ceremony of Saka Madrassa, where students showcased exceptional mastery of Islamic studies, including Quranic recitation and interpretation, Hadith, and Ahlaq (Islamic ethics).

Addressing graduates, parents, religious leaders, and local leaders, CS Duale commended the students for their dedication to religious learning and urged them to remain steadfast in adhering to the teachings of the Holy Quran.

He emphasized the importance of religious education in shaping responsible and morally upright citizens, calling on parents to prioritize Islamic learning for their children.

“Religious education is not merely supplementary but essential in molding character, strengthening family values, and building cohesive communities,” said Duale.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that the Government continues to recognize the critical role played by religious institutions in nation-building, citing President William Ruto’s recent Madaraka Day address, which underscored efforts to mainstream madrassa teachers within the broader education framework.

During the event, CS Duale also expressed concern over recent security incidents in Garissa Town, where a group of youths has allegedly been involved in a series of stabbing attacks targeting residents.

He called upon security agencies to take decisive action against those responsible, emphasizing that violence remains unacceptable and must be dealt with firmly.

“I urge law enforcement agencies to move swiftly and ensure those involved are arrested and prosecuted. The safety and security of residents must remain a top priority,” he stated.

In his capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Health, Duale took the opportunity to reiterate a key government health policy aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes across the country.

He reminded residents that maternity services are fully covered for Social Health Authority (SHA)-registered Kenyans at all Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities nationwide.

The CS encouraged expectant mothers to seek skilled birth attendance at health facilities, noting that this remains one of the most effective interventions in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.

He observed that Garissa remains among the counties facing significant maternal and newborn health challenges and urged families to take advantage of the free services available through the government’s Universal Health Coverage programme.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Garissa County leaders, including Garissa County Woman Representative Hon. Ummulkheir Harun, several Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), religious scholars, community elders, and hundreds of residents who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating students.

The event highlighted the important role of madrassas in nurturing both academic excellence and strong moral values among young people while reinforcing community commitment to education, security, and social development.

13/06/2026

𝐂𝐒 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫

Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale has announced a series of transformative development initiatives for Saka Girls Secondary School in Garissa County, reaffirming his longstanding commitment to improving education and opportunities for girls in the region.

During an emotional visit to the institution, which he helped establish from the ground up during his tenure as the area Member of Parliament, CS Duale engaged directly with more than 600 students, listening to their concerns, aspirations, and priorities for the future.

Addressing the students, the Cabinet Secretary pledged to mobilize support from his Cabinet colleagues in the education and ICT sectors to establish a fully equipped ICT hub with 100 computers at the school. He emphasized that digital literacy and access to technology are essential tools for preparing young women to compete effectively in the modern economy.

In a further boost to the institution, CS Duale introduced a contractor who will commence the solarization of the entire school within the next two weeks. The project is expected to guarantee reliable and uninterrupted electricity, creating a more conducive learning environment for students and teachers.

To address longstanding water challenges facing the school, the Cabinet Secretary also pledged to facilitate the drilling of a dedicated borehole within the school compound, a move aimed at ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply.

The students also appealed for a school bus to ease transportation difficulties. In response, CS Duale promised to personally present their request to President William Ruto, expressing optimism that the school would not only receive a bus but that a group of students could also be facilitated to visit State House in Nairobi.

As part of the development tour, CS Duale visited Saka Health Centre, where he inspected newly delivered maternity equipment supplied by the Ministry of Health. He urged local residents to embrace skilled birth attendance and utilize health facilities for safe deliveries, noting that Garissa County remains among the regions with high maternal mortality rates.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the government is committed to safeguarding the health of mothers and newborns through quality maternal healthcare services, including free delivery services now available in all Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities across the country.

CS Duale was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Health, local political leaders, and representatives of the National Government Administration as he toured the area and assessed ongoing development priorities.

12/06/2026

𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇-𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐘𝐀–𝐔.𝐒. 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐔𝐇𝐂, 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today chaired a high-level strategic session with a United States Government delegation led by Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Susan Burns to review progress and strengthen collaboration under the United States Government–Government of Kenya (USG-GoK) Health Cooperation Framework.

The meeting built on discussions held on 8 May 2026 and formed part of an ongoing weekly oversight mechanism established to monitor implementation milestones and ensure timely delivery of agreed actions ahead of the planned programme rollout on 1 July 2026.

During the session, officials reviewed a comprehensive progress report outlining achievements across key priority workstreams. Significant progress was reported in the portfolio review process, development of the county transition roadmap, advancement of the Strategic Objective Grant Agreement, and preparations for the Programme Management Unit (PMU), which will play a central role in coordinating implementation.

The meeting further noted that the joint Implementation Plan has already been submitted and is currently under review by both parties to ensure alignment with agreed priorities and expected outcomes. Preparations for a comprehensive risk assessment exercise have also been finalized, with the assessment scheduled to commence next week to strengthen implementation readiness and proactively address operational challenges.

Discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of Kenya and the United States to advancing national health priorities through strategic investments in primary healthcare, disease prevention and control, maternal and child health, health security, and broader health systems strengthening initiatives aimed at accelerating the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Both sides acknowledged the substantial progress made to date and expressed confidence that all remaining milestones would be achieved within the agreed timelines, enabling a seamless transition from planning to implementation.

The meeting also underscored the importance of sustained investment in Ebola preparedness. Additional support has been committed towards expanding isolation and treatment capacity, strengthening laboratory systems, increasing stocks of personal protective equipment (PPEs), and enhancing healthcare worker training to reinforce Kenya’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Speaking during the meeting, CS Duale reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a resilient, responsive, and self-sustaining healthcare system anchored on national priorities and Universal Health Coverage, while fostering strategic partnerships that support equitable access to quality healthcare services for all Kenyans.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Acting CEO of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) Dr. Kamene Kimenye, senior Ministry of Health officials, and members of the United States delegation.

11/06/2026

𝐂𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐊𝐒𝐇 𝟏𝟕𝟓.𝟓 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐀𝐒 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐔𝐇𝐂 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀.

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, has welcomed the allocation of a record KSh 175.5 billion to the health sector in the 2026/27 Financial Year Budget Estimates, describing it as a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to accelerate the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.

Speaking after attending the national budget presentation at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, CS Duale said the increased allocation, which represents an additional KSh 37.5 billion compared to the current financial year, demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring all Kenyans have access to affordable, quality, and equitable healthcare services.

The budget was presented before the National Assembly by Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, John Mbadi, during a session presided over by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula.

According to CS Duale, the enhanced funding will strengthen key healthcare programmes, with KSh 19.1 billion allocated to the Primary Healthcare Fund to support frontline health services, expand community health interventions, and improve access to healthcare at local facilities across the country.

To enhance financial protection for vulnerable households, the Government has also allocated KSh 4 billion to the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, enabling patients suffering from serious medical conditions to access specialized treatment without facing catastrophic healthcare expenses.

In addition, KSh 18.5 billion has been earmarked for the Global Fund Programme to sustain interventions against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, reinforcing Kenya’s efforts to combat major public health challenges.

CS Duale noted that the increased allocation builds on the progress already achieved through ongoing health sector reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He revealed that more than 31.5 million Kenyans have now registered under SHA, while 228 Primary Care Networks have been established and operationalized to strengthen healthcare coordination and continuity of care.

The Cabinet Secretary further highlighted the contribution of 107,831 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) deployed across the country, who continue to bring essential healthcare services closer to households and communities.

The Government has also strengthened the health workforce through the engagement of more than 16,000 medical interns, helping improve service delivery and expand access to healthcare services nationwide.

To address longstanding concerns over pending healthcare claims, the Government has allocated KSh 4 billion to settle verified claims inherited from the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), specifically claims ranging between KSh 0 and KSh 10 million. Additional allocations are expected in future budgets to clear the remaining verified claims.

CS Duale said the investments reaffirm the Government’s determination to build a resilient, people-centred health system that guarantees quality healthcare services for all Kenyans without financial hardship.

He emphasized that the 2026/27 Budget provides the resources necessary to deepen health sector reforms, strengthen service delivery, and advance the country’s long-term vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Several Cabinet Secretaries and senior government officials attended the budget presentation, including Soipan Tuya, Kipchumba Murkomen, Opiyo Wandayi, Julius Ogamba, Mutahi Kagwe and Geoffrey Ruku.

11/06/2026

𝐂𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐒𝐇𝐀 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐅𝐅 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄.

Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale today appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, at Bunge Towers, Nairobi, to present the Tariffs for Healthcare Services (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 78 of 2026) for parliamentary review and consideration.

The proposed regulations seek to strengthen healthcare financing under the Social Health Authority (SHA) by expanding access to quality healthcare services, enhancing financial protection for vulnerable populations, and accelerating Kenya’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

A key highlight of the reforms is the establishment of a dedicated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health package under the Primary Healthcare Fund. The package guarantees free delivery services at Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities for all registered beneficiaries, covering antenatal care, normal and Caesarean deliveries, newborn care, immunization, nutrition support, and other essential maternal health services.

Speaking before the Committee, CS Duale emphasized that the reforms are designed to ensure that no mother is denied lifesaving healthcare due to financial constraints while strengthening maternal and child health outcomes across the country.

The amendments also introduce enhanced financing for cancer care through the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund. Annual coverage for chronic cancer management has been increased from KES 150,000 to KES 400,000. When combined with benefits available under the Social Health Insurance Fund, eligible patients will now be able to access healthcare support of up to KES 800,000 annually, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs and improving continuity of treatment.

Additional provisions have been included to support comprehensive oncology services, including cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

CS Duale informed the Committee that the reforms are based on evidence-driven policy recommendations, health technology assessments, and extensive stakeholder consultations conducted through the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP). He noted that the regulations also implement directives issued by President William Ruto and resolutions adopted by the National and County Governments Coordinating Summit aimed at strengthening maternal healthcare and cancer care financing.

The Ministry of Health further confirmed that extensive public participation was undertaken in accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements, bringing together healthcare professionals, county governments, civil society organizations, patient advocacy groups, and other stakeholders whose contributions helped shape the final regulatory framework.

Once implemented, the reforms are expected to reduce catastrophic health expenditures, protect households from medical impoverishment, improve maternal and cancer care outcomes, and advance the Government’s commitment to delivering equitable, affordable, and sustainable healthcare services to all Kenyans.

The Ministry is also rolling out service charters across Primary Healthcare facilities nationwide to clearly outline services available under Primary Healthcare while intensifying public education and awareness campaigns to improve understanding of SHA benefits and promote informed access to healthcare services.

CS Duale was accompanied by a delegation from the Social Health Authority led by CEO Mercy Mwangangi alongside senior Ministry of Health officials.

10/06/2026

𝐂𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐒, 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐀 𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒.

Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale has launched an enhanced medical cover for public officers and officially rolled out the Social Health Authority (SHA) biometric registration programme for dependents aged 7–17 years, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s journey towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Speaking during the signing ceremony of the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) contracts, CS Duale said the agreements followed successful tariff negotiations with private and faith-based Level 3 to Level 6 healthcare facilities across the country, paving the way for seamless healthcare access for public servants and their families.

Under the enhanced scheme, beneficiaries will now access a comprehensive package of services, including outpatient and inpatient care, specialized surgeries, oncology treatment, renal dialysis, dental and optical services, overseas referrals, and reproductive health services such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) through contracted facilities.

CS Duale emphasized that with tariffs fully agreed upon, public officers will no longer face unauthorized co-payments for services covered under the approved package. He warned that any healthcare facility found charging illegal fees would face immediate sanctions, including suspension and reimbursement of affected beneficiaries.

The Health CS also announced the expansion of SHA biometric registration to children aged between 7 and 17 years, describing it as a critical step towards establishing a fully integrated national health identification system. The initiative builds on the ongoing adult biometric registration programme supported by more than 8,000 biometric scanners and 42,000 digital devices deployed across public health facilities nationwide.

According to CS Duale, the biometric programme will strengthen patient identification, improve access to medical records, enhance healthcare security, and streamline registration and service delivery processes across the country.

He noted that the initiative forms part of the Digital Health Agency’s digital transformation agenda, which seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, efficiency, and integrity within Kenya’s healthcare system while building a modern and responsive health ecosystem for all citizens.

The event culminated in the signing of the POMSF Implementation Charter and adoption of the new tariff framework, officially transitioning the scheme from negotiations to full implementation and guaranteeing seamless access to covered healthcare services for eligible public officers and their dependents.

10/06/2026

𝐂𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐄𝐁𝐎𝐋𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆.

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, today joined participants at the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Rapid Response Team Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop, where he reaffirmed the Government's unwavering commitment to strengthening national health security and enhancing preparedness for public health emergencies.

Speaking during the workshop, CS Duale commended the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), county governments, development partners, and all stakeholders for their continued collaboration in building resilient health systems capable of effectively detecting, preventing, and responding to disease outbreaks.

The CS paid tribute to Kenyan health professionals who served on the frontlines during the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, describing their dedication, courage, and sacrifice as a source of national pride. He noted that lessons learned from their experiences continue to inform Kenya's preparedness efforts, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, and patient care systems.

Duale warned that the continued emergence of infectious disease outbreaks across Africa, including the ongoing Ebola situation, poses significant risks to countries with extensive regional connectivity. He observed that Kenya's strategic position as a regional hub for trade, transport, and travel increases the risk of disease importation, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance and investment in preparedness.

He emphasized that preparedness remains a critical pillar of national health security, requiring a well-trained workforce, robust surveillance systems, and coordinated response mechanisms that can be activated rapidly whenever threats emerge. He further called for a multidisciplinary approach that brings together expertise from various sectors and levels of government to ensure an effective and unified response.

The CS also underscored the importance of strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control measures, noting that infections among healthcare workers during previous Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda demonstrated the consequences of lapses in IPC compliance. He urged healthcare workers to institutionalize standard precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance by treating every patient as a potential source of infectious disease until proven otherwise.

CS Duale encouraged participants to maximize the training opportunity by strengthening the country's surge response capacity and cascading the knowledge and skills acquired to counties and sub-counties across the country, ensuring preparedness efforts reach frontline health workers and communities.

"As we continue strengthening our health systems, all stakeholders must remain vigilant, prepared, and united in safeguarding the health and well-being of all Kenyans against emerging and re-emerging public health threats," he said.

The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and other senior leaders from the health sector.

Kenya Stream News

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