Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale is calling on leaders at national referral hospitals to adopt strong governance and accountability, underscoring the vital role these institutions play in providing quality healthcare.
During his recent visit to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Duale reiterated the government’s unwavering support for the hospital’s mission and pledged to address any challenges hampering service delivery.
CS Duale commended KNH for its decades of leadership in specialized care. He highlighted the hospital’s landmark achievements, including Kenya’s first laparoscopic kidney resection and intrauterine fetal transfusion, as well as the groundbreaking transhumeral total shoulder replacement (TSR) surgery the first of its kind in the world.
Duale said these milestones showcase Kenya’s position as a global leader in medical innovation and reflect the government’s drive to advance Universal Health Coverage through the Social Health Insurance (SHI) scheme.
Touring key departments such as the cancer treatment centre, radiotherapy bunker, and the new government-funded oxygen-generating plant under construction, Duale urged county governments to invest in their own referral and primary healthcare systems.
He noted that these investments would ease the patient burden at KNH and other referral hospitals.
He also called on development partners to support KNH’s growth in areas like equipment modernization, digital transformation, training, and research.
Duale emphasized that KNH remains a critical hub for advanced care and health innovation in Kenya.
KNH Board Chair Dr. Samier Muravvej and Acting CEO Dr. William Sigilai welcomed the CS and his delegation, which included Medical Service Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Okunga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Acting CEO of Kenya’s Digital Health Agency, Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara. Senior officials from the Ministry of Health also joined the tour.
By strengthening national referral hospitals and supporting frontline healthcare systems across the country, the government aims to deliver on its promise of accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all Kenyans.
