Health CS Aden Duale Commits to Prioritizing Maternal Health as a National Agenda
Duale also emphasized accountability in managing the Social Health Fund and warned that the Ministry will not tolerate any corruption or misuse of resources.
The opening of RMH was timed at the end of a one-week medical outreach camp organized by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) and which offered free healthcare services to over 2,000 residents in the area. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reasserted the government’s commitment to make maternal health a national agenda with a renewed emphasis on an integrated approach that ensures the health of women before, during, and after pregnancy is factored in.
Speaking on Sunday, October 12, 2025, while officiating the commissioning of the Rumuruti Mission Hospital (RMH) in Laikipia County, Duale swore the government is keen to develop a life-course strategy that reinforces women’s health at all stages of life. He further stated that this will be complemented by having the presence of women leaders in contributing to policy development that fosters preventive and promotive health.
“Maternal health cannot be viewed as a one-time phenomenon at the time of delivery, but as an ongoing process throughout a woman’s life — from young age, to motherhood, to old age,” Duale said.
The opening of RMH was timed at the end of a one-week medical outreach camp organized by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) and which offered free healthcare services to over 2,000 residents in the area.
Constructed by the PCEA Health Board, Rumuruti Mission Hospital is the Church’s fourth mission hospital in the Rift Valley, following PCEA Kikuyu, Tumutumu, and Chogoria hospitals. The new facility aims to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare for rural populations and serve as a regional center for medical outreach programs.
Duale praised the Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) for the incredible contribution they had made in Kenya’s health sector with the administration of almost 30 percent of the nation’s health facilities. He praised them for their instrumental role in the support of the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program and championing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) under the Taifa Care Model.
Focusing on new reforms, the CS elaborated on the key benefits under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), which include maternal healthcare, dialysis, emergency, chronic diseases, and other vital health services. He assured Kenyans that the government remains focused on ensuring that all citizens have equal access to basic health care services.
Duale also emphasized accountability in managing the Social Health Fund and warned that the Ministry will not tolerate any corruption or misuse of resources. He stated that the reforms, which are ongoing, are intended to enhance health financing and service delivery in the country.
He further revealed that, as per President William Ruto‘s directive, the government will pay for the SHA contribution of 1.5 million vulnerable members of society in all counties. Additionally, Governors and Members of Parliament will be sponsored by another one million Kenyans, marking an important milestone towards universal healthcare coverage.
Calling for unity and unity of purpose, Duale implored Kenyans to maintain their focus on development and avoid hate politics. He praised the PCEA for its pioneering collaboration with the government in pushing community health and added that the Ministry will support Rumuruti Mission Hospital by drilling a borehole and issuing required medication to improve its activities.
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