Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale (L) and Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyongo at the formal launch of healthcare models in Kisumu on July 16, 2025. Handout
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Wednesday officially launched the Taifa Care programme and the Digital Health Transformation Agenda in Kisumu, marking a major step toward universal healthcare access in Kenya.
The initiatives, part of President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aim to strengthen the constitutional right to health by modernizing healthcare delivery through digital innovation and expanding access to affordable services.
“We are transforming how Kenyans access healthcare. With these tools, we can ensure transparency, fight fraud, and improve service delivery,” said CS Duale during the event hosted by Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o.
The digital health plan includes regulations meant to improve patient registration, track health records, and enhance coordination across healthcare providers.
These rules are aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 development blueprint and have been under discussion since April 2025, when Duale met the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga.
Since Taifa Care was rolled out in October 2024, over 23.6 million Kenyans have registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA)—the state agency overseeing implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023. Of these, 5.7 million have already accessed care at public, private, and faith-based health facilities.
Duale reported that 3.6 million Kenyans have received free treatment for common illnesses, while another 2.1 million benefited from specialised care, including 400,000 dialysis sessions and 17,000 cancer treatments.
To maintain integrity and safety within the system, the Ministry of Health has intensified its crackdown on fraudulent and unlicensed health providers.
In recent months, 728 health facilities have been closed for non-compliance, while 301 others have been downgraded.
“SHA-contracted facilities must meet strict standards. We will not allow Kenyans to be exposed to unsafe or substandard care,” Duale said.
A new digital tracking system has also been introduced to monitor patient visits and prescriptions in real time.
The system is designed to help eliminate counterfeit drugs and reduce inefficiencies within the healthcare sector.
The Kisumu launch was attended by senior health officials, including Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Authority CEO Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara, and JOOTRH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, who received the delegation.
The initiative is expected to drive a more accountable, efficient, and people-centered health system across the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale arriving in Kisumu for the official launch of healthcare models, on July 16,2025/Handout
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at the official launch of healthcare models in Kisumu, on July 16,2025/Handout Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at the official launch of healthcare models in Kisumu, on July 16,2025/Handout Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at the official launch of healthcare models in Kisumu, on July 16,2025/Handout Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at the official launch of healthcare models in Kisumu, on July 16,2025/Handout Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at the official launch of healthcare models in Kisumu, on July 16,2025/Handout