Kenya’s Health Sector Promises Enhanced Services and Efficiency
Another major announcement concerns improved reimbursements for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds.
Health Ministry committee during handing-over ceremony. Photo/Aden Duale.
By Robert Assad
Aden Duale, new Cabinet Secretary for Health, today pledged significant improvements to the country’s healthcare system.
In a statement released through, Duale outlined a six-point plan aimed at bolstering efficiency, service delivery, and financial stability within the sector.
The first key commitment addresses prompt payment of hospital claims. Duale pledged that the Ministry of Health (MOH) will settle all hospital bills by the 14th day of each month, streamlining the process and alleviating financial strain for healthcare providers.
Another major announcement concerns improved reimbursements for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds.
Effective April 1, 2025, the rebate rates for these critical services have been enhanced to Ksh 28,000 per day.
Simultaneously, the Oncology package for cancer patients has seen an increase to Ksh 550,000 per person, demonstrating a commitment to improved care for vulnerable patients.
Duale underscored the importance of tackling perennial challenges within the MOH.
He vowed to expedite the resolution of all outstanding Human Resource issues, working collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders to achieve a lasting solution.
This signifies a focus on addressing staffing and administrative bottlenecks that can impede the smooth functioning of the healthcare system.
The plan also prioritizes the financial stability of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
Duale announced a goal to enhance KEMSA’s order fill rate to 90%. To achieve this target, the ministry plans to invest Ksh 1.5 billion in capital improvements, leveraging the supplementary budget and exploring a potential credit facility of up to Ksh 5 billion.
This significant investment reflects the government’s determination to ensure timely access to essential medical supplies.
The pledge extends to improving overall service delivery. All system-related issues will be addressed promptly to guarantee seamless service provision.
Finally, a 24/7 TaifaCare call center, accessible through the toll-free number 147, will provide comprehensive support and handle all inquiries, showcasing a commitment to patient and provider accessibility.
These pledges, issued by Cabinet Secretary Duale, represent a significant step towards improving the overall functionality and efficiency of Kenya’s healthcare sector.
The commitment to timely payments, enhanced reimbursements, and financial stability of KEMSA indicate a clear focus on improving patient care and alleviating the strains on both providers and patients.
The introduction of the 24/7 call center further underlines the government’s commitment to accessibility and responsiveness.
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