The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, has issued a stern warning to healthcare providers across Kenya, cautioning that any public or private facility found compromising the integrity of ongoing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms will face immediate closure.
Speaking during a high-level public engagement held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex in Kisumu County, CS Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fast-tracking UHC reforms, highlighting the need for urgency, transparency, and accountability in healthcare service delivery.
He disclosed that under the newly operational Social Health Authority (SHA), 295 healthcare providers have already been empanelled, including 135 public health facilities.
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12 centres were yet to complete their contracting process, and eight had reported service delivery or claims-related challenges.
“I am calling on county leadership to move swiftly to finalise contracting and resolve any system inactivity that may disrupt access to care,” he said.
Duale reiterated that the Taifa Care model must remain people-focused, with targeted interventions to reach marginalised populations regardless of age, income, or social standing.
He also noted that SHA has introduced advanced monitoring tools, including artificial intelligence systems designed to detect fraud and ensure transparency.
““We are building a health system that is not only efficient but also inclusive and accountable,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary condemned any attempts to manipulate the UHC system, specifically pointing out the misuse of One-Time Password (OTP) codes by doctors for pre-authorisation of services. “The misuse of OTP doctors’ pre-authorisation codes is a serious breach and will not be tolerated,” he warned.
The Kisumu visit is part of the Ministry of Health’s broader strategy to bolster public confidence, enhance collaboration between national and county governments, and deliver on the national vision of health coverage for all.
