From Digital Health to UHC: What to Expect from Kenya's Biggest Health Summit Yet

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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has officially launched preparations for the Presidential National Health Summit 2026, describing the event as a defining moment for Kenya’s healthcare transformation and the country’s journey towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Speaking while chairing the inaugural Planning Committee meeting, Duale said the summit will bring together key stakeholders from across the health sector to review progress made over the past three and a half years and develop a roadmap for the next phase of reforms.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that the summit will serve as a platform to showcase milestones achieved under President William Ruto’s administration, particularly in healthcare financing, primary healthcare, digital health systems, legislation, regulation and institutional reforms.

According to Duale, the government is keen on demonstrating the impact of the ongoing health reforms while identifying existing challenges that continue to affect healthcare delivery across the country.

“The summit will provide an opportunity to evaluate what has been achieved, identify the remaining gaps, share lessons learned and develop practical actions that will accelerate the delivery of quality, affordable and accessible healthcare for every Kenyan,” he said.

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He emphasized that the success of the summit will depend on effective coordination among all participating institutions and urged planning teams to maintain high standards of accountability throughout the preparation process.

Duale further directed committees involved in organizing the summit to present clear evidence of progress, measurable outcomes and practical recommendations capable of strengthening Kenya’s health system.

The Health CS also expressed appreciation to development partners and implementing agencies for their continued support in advancing reforms within the health sector.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Kenyan benefits from affordable, quality healthcare through the successful implementation of Universal Health Coverage.

The inaugural planning meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Health, including Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni.

Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, heads of directorates, divisions and units, technical and administrative teams, as well as chief executive officers of state corporations, regulatory bodies and government agencies under the ministry.

The Presidential National Health Summit is expected to provide a comprehensive review of Kenya’s healthcare transformation agenda while strengthening collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, development partners and other stakeholders.

The forum is also expected to generate policy recommendations that will guide future reforms aimed at improving healthcare access, enhancing service delivery, strengthening health financing mechanisms and expanding digital health solutions as Kenya moves closer to realizing Universal Health Coverage for all citizens.

Government officials believe the summit will reinforce the country’s commitment to building a resilient, efficient and patient centered healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of all Kenyans.