Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga has
called for sustainable and predictable financing to drive Kenya’s Universal
Health Coverage (UHC), saying stronger collaboration between the Health
Ministry and the National Treasury is key to delivering equitable healthcare
for all.
Speaking after a consultative meeting with Treasury
Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo in Nairobi, Dr. Oluga said adequate
funding and financial reforms will determine how quickly Kenya can achieve the
goals of UHC under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“The goal is to protect citizens from catastrophic medical
costs while ensuring that every Kenyan, regardless of social or economic
status, can access quality healthcare,” Dr. Oluga said.
He noted that with consistent funding and proper alignment
between ministries, the country’s health system can be strengthened to respond
effectively to both everyday needs and public health emergencies.
The meeting, held at the Treasury building, focused on
creating long-term financing models to support national health programmes,
improve efficiency in resource use, and guarantee the sustainability of key
initiatives such as essential medicines supply, referral services, and health
infrastructure projects.
Dr. Oluga highlighted that budgetary constraints and
declining donor support have continued to affect the smooth functioning of
hospitals, research institutions, and community health programmes.
He outlined several priority areas requiring urgent
attention, including strengthening referral networks, ensuring a steady supply
of medical commodities, boosting blood transfusion services, supporting
research and innovation, and advancing local vaccine production.
He said these interventions were vital to building a
resilient and self-reliant health system.
Dr. Kiptoo reaffirmed the Treasury’s commitment to aligning
financial planning with national health priorities and exploring new models of
health financing that can reduce the government’s reliance on external donors.
He said the partnership with the Health Ministry is critical
in ensuring that health sector funding directly benefits citizens and
strengthens public institutions.
Both Principal Secretaries agreed on the importance of
digital transformation, health workforce investment, and enhanced
accountability to ensure value for money in healthcare spending.
They also discussed mechanisms to track resource allocation
and performance across national and county levels to promote transparency and
efficiency.
Dr. Oluga was accompanied by Chief Executive Officers and
Heads of Directorates from the State Department for Medical Services,
demonstrating the Ministry’s collective commitment to advancing sustainable
health-sector financing and people-centred care.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the
National Treasury is expected to fast-track the rollout of Universal Health
Coverage across the country — a central pillar of the government’s plan to
deliver affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare to every Kenyan.