Health CS Aden Duale on Tuesday told MPs that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is making decisive strides in improving fund management and healthcare access under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
He highlighted SHA’s progress in reducing claims backlogs through strict verification, provider training, and strengthened digital systems.
Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparent health financing and delivering better services to vulnerable Kenyans.
The SHA, he noted, continues to streamline the onboarding of healthcare providers and enhance data accuracy to ensure that “no Kenyan is denied healthcare under Universal Health Coverage.”
To expand access to healthcare for vulnerable groups, the CS said SHA is implementing a flat-rate premium of Sh660 per month for each indigent household, identified in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection.
He encouraged philanthropists and partners to support the initiative to extend healthcare access to more underprivileged citizens.
Duale highlighted that technology remains central to improving efficiency and transparency in the new social health framework.
He detailed ongoing collaboration between the Digital Health Agency (DHA), biometric providers, and the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to enhance system stability and user experience.
“The goal is to eliminate the need for OTP whitelisting and introduce a tiered support structure to strengthen ICT systems,” the CS told the Committee.
Addressing the issue of ambulance and referral services, Duale informed MPs that a Joint Technical Committee had been established to design a comprehensive framework for an ambulance evacuation benefit package.
The team brings together experts from the Ministry of Health, SHA, Council of Governors Secretariat, DHA, Emergency Medical Kenya Foundation (EMKF), Safaricom, and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
According to the CS, this inter-agency approach will ensure interoperability and strengthen coordination between national and county governments in managing emergency response systems.
The Committee’s report, based on visits to healthcare facilities nationwide, highlighted challenges including ICT disruptions, governance gaps, and difficulties in biometric identification, particularly among elderly citizens.
In line with Article 47 of the Constitution, which guarantees fair and efficient administrative action, CS Duale requested more time to compile a detailed response addressing all the Committee’s observations and recommendations.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuous improvement, saying the SHA is “working to enhance digital capacity, strengthen claims processing, and maintain accountability in health financing.”
The meeting resolved to form joint technical working groups to review the Committee’s report and recommend corrective measures to address system inefficiencies and ensure effective implementation of SHA reforms.
Duale underscored that collaboration among government institutions, health providers, and partners is essential to fulfilling Kenya’s UHC promise.
“The overarching goal remains clear, strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders in delivering on the promise of Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans,” he said.
The CS was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, SHA representative Dr Mercy Mwangangi, KMPDC’s Dr David Kariuki, DHA Director General Eng Anthony Lenayara, and Council of Governors Health Committee Chair and Mombasa Governor H.E. Abdulswamad Nassir, along with senior Ministry officials and national health leaders.