Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has revealed new measures to enhance Kenya’s healthcare system following discussions with a delegation from the United Kingdom led by UK Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Ed Barnett.
The gathering, which took place in Nairobi on Monday, aimed at accelerating Kenya’s advancement towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and enhancing partnerships in areas such as disease surveillance, local production, and digital health improvements.
Duale stated that the UK had pledged to assist Kenya in vital areas, including outbreak analysis, enhancements to laboratory systems, and readiness for high-risk pathogens.
“Kenya has the opportunity to benefit greatly from the United Kingdom’s expertise, particularly as we enhance cross-border monitoring and boost our preparedness for new health challenges,” Duale stated. “This collaboration focuses on preserving lives and creating a robust health system.”
Both parties also recognized key areas to enhance domestic pharmaceutical production, such as compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), technology transfer, assurance of product quality, and digital authentication systems.
“Our aim is to create manufacturing hubs at the county level that can integrate into both regional and global value chains,” Duale stated. “With robust support from the UK, we are consistently progressing towards reaching WHO Maturity Level 3.”
The Cabinet Secretary informed the delegation about the reforms being implemented under the Social Health Authority (SHA), highlighting Kenya’s interest in leveraging the United Kingdom’s expertise via the National Health Service (NHS).
“We identify distinct prospects for teamwork in digital governance and reforms in health financing,” he continued.
The discussions also concentrated on strategies to enhance Kenya’s research and innovation environment via the UK–Kenya Health Global Innovation Network, emphasizing AI-driven diagnostics, early detection technologies, and the market development of local innovations.
Dr. Barnett stated that the UK is dedicated to enhancing its health partnerships with other countries.
“We consider Kenya an essential ally in developing a robust, contemporary, and adaptive healthcare system,” he stated. “Our collaboration keeps providing advancements in cancer treatment, molecular diagnostics, and clinical research.”
Duale mentioned that the meeting emphasized the vital importance of technology and innovation in the Kenya–UK Health Alliance, which is currently fostering partnerships in oncology, facilitating virtual tumor boards, and offering oncology fellowships in the UK.
He mentioned Kenya’s newly signed Health and Data Sharing Cooperation Framework with the United States and the ongoing preparations for the World Health Summit Africa that Kenya is set to host in April 2026.
“Kenya’s healthcare focus is based on innovation, collaboration, and international partnerships,” Duale stated. “We are creating a system that benefits all Kenyans.”
