Kenya moves to action-oriented UHC plan, says PS Muthoni

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), shifting from trial to action-driven approach.

Speaking in an interview to KBC Channel 1 Tuesday evening, the Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni noted that health remains a key pillar under the Kenya Kwanza Administration.

“Under the Kenya Kwanza administration, health is a priority alongside MSMEs, housing, digital economy, and agriculture. It is strategically placed at the core of national development,” she noted.

She stated that the government has introduced key policies to achieve UHC which include; the Digital Health Act 2023, Social Health Insurance Act 2023, and the Primary Health Care Act.

PS Muthoni highlighted the importance of the Primary Health Care Act in strengthening the foundation of the healthcare system. “The Primary Health Care Act strengthens our lowest-level facilities, including Community Health Promoters, who are the first point of contact for many Kenyans.”

However, despite the progress the PS acknowledged that the public health sector has room for improvement. “We are not where we are supposed to be, but it is a continuous process. If I were to rate public health, I would give it a six out of ten,” she remarked.

She addressed critical public health concerns such as environmental hygiene, water and sanitation, and disease prevention noting that there are 15 counties in Kenya who still practice open defecation.

The PS stated that the practice is a challenge that the government is actively working to eliminate by ensuring that every family has a toilet.

Further PS Muthoni emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare, urging Kenyans to embrace regular screening and high hygiene standards to curb communicable diseases.

The PS remarked that shift toward preventive care, coupled with ongoing reforms in the healthcare sector, aims to reduce the disease burden and enhance access to affordable healthcare for all Kenyans. “Prevention, promotion, and protection—these are the three pillars of public health, and they define our approach moving forward,” Muthoni remarked.

Adding that: “The government is encouraging citizens to go for cancer screening. If we practice early screening, we can prevent many cases. We are working towards 90% screening of women, 70% HPV vaccination for girls under 14, and 90% treatment coverage.”

On Kala-azar the PS mentioned that the government has enhanced surveillance, sent medical supplies, and trained healthcare workers on the ground so as to contain the situation.

“Kala-azar has been a serious concern, especially in Wajir County. Government has enhanced surveillance, sent medical supplies, and trained healthcare workers on the ground. Procurement of additional commodities, including medicine and hospital beds, is ongoing to support affected regions.”

Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/government-seeks-to-modernize-health-sector-regulation-for-uhc-success/