Kanani Represents Governor Malombe in High-Level Health Sector Consultative Meeting

Kitui Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani today represented Governor Dr. Julius Malombe in a high-level consultative meeting chaired by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. The session brought together leaders from all 47 counties to deliberate on key emerging issues in the health sector, with a major focus on the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), a cornerstone of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

The forum, which drew county executives, health officials, and national government representatives, focused on enhancing service delivery through digitization, improving human resource policies, and reviewing progress on resolutions from the recent national health summit.

Key discussions included the digitization of healthcare systems to enhance data management and service efficiency, the transition of UHC staff to permanent and pensionable terms, and the timely remuneration of community health promoters.

Other major deliberations covered the equitable distribution of medical equipment to counties and the strengthening of health infrastructure across the devolved units.

Key Resolutions from the Meeting Included:

• The Ministry of Health and the Digital Health Agency will assess current county health information systems for integration into the national Health Information Exchange Portal, including platforms like Afyake.
• SHA will consider allocating funds towards the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCF) to boost access to specialized care.
• Additional resources will be allocated by SHA for the training and capacity building of Level 2–5 facility in-charges on SHA processes, optimization, and benefits.
• The Ministry of Health and SHA will jointly develop a standardized health insurance package for indigent populations.
• The Digital Health Agency will fast-track the digitization of all county health facilities to support initiatives like the National Equipment Service Program.
• A joint task force will be formed by the Council of Governors and the Ministries of Health, Energy, and ICT to tackle electricity and internet challenges in health facilities.
• The Digital Health Agency will also expedite the distribution of digital devices to all public health facilities and share a detailed rollout plan with county governments.

The resolutions are expected to bolster healthcare service delivery and accelerate the realization of UHC across the country.

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