KGS’s Nicole Tanchu TransformativeJourney to Japan.
September 3, 2024CS Health Dr. Deborah M. Barasa Charts Kenya’s New Healthcare Vision at KEMRI Meeting.
CS Health, Deborah M. Barasa, signs the visitor's book upon her arrival at KEMRI. She is flanked on the right by PS Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, MoH Secretary of Administration, Mr. Andrew Rukaria, and Director of Administration, Mr. Adan Harakhe. On the left are the Chairman of KEMRI's Board of Directors, Dr. Abdullahi Ali, and the Acting Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok.
In a key leadership gathering at the KEMRI Graduate School, over 60 Chairpersons, Directors of Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), and senior Ministry of Health officials convened under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa. This crucial meeting, held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, also marked Dr. Barasa’s maiden visit to KEMRI Headquarters as Cabinet Secretary (CS) and set the stage for outlining her vision for Kenya’s healthcare system.
This event was attended by other high-ranking Ministry of Health officials, including the Principal Secretary of Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, Secretary of Administration within the State Department of Medical Services Mr. Andrew Rukaria and Director of Administration, Mr. Adan Harakhe among others.
The CS and her delegation were warmly received to the Institute by their host, Chairman of the KEMRI Board of Directors, Dr. Abdullahi Ali, and the Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok on behalf of their colleagues.
The gathering was notable not only for Dr. Barasa’s leadership but also for being the first time that some of the leaders in the meeting were meeting in KEMRI to discuss the future of healthcare under the Ministry’s direction.
In her opening address, Dr. Barasa emphasized the importance of a centralized communication strategy across all health institutions. “It’s crucial that we make the positive work of these institutions visible to the community,” she asserted. “A strong communication strategy will ensure that the public is informed and engaged, which is essential for building trust and transparency.”
She also highlighted the critical need for integrity, accountability, and transparency in governance and urged all health institutions to adopt digital platforms and open tenders to enhance transparency and reduce corruption risks. “We must be vigilant in identifying and eliminating corruption,” she stated. “By embracing digital solutions and transparent processes, we can significantly reduce risks and ensure that our resources are used effectively.”
A central theme of Dr. Barasa’s address was the Ministry’s commitment to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a key pillar in ensuring that all Kenyans have access to affordable and quality healthcare. “UHC is not just a policy; it is a promise to every Kenyan that healthcare will be accessible, affordable, and of high quality,” she declared.
Supporting her vision, the PS, Ms. Muthoni, outlined the legislative framework supporting these initiatives. “The Primary Health Care Act of 2023 is fundamental in our efforts to strengthen healthcare at the community level,” she explained. “Additionally, the Facility Improvement Financing Act of 2023, the Digital Health Act, and the Social Health Insurance Act are key to transforming how we fund, manage, and deliver health services across Kenya.”
Ms. Muthoni also emphasized the integration of community health promoters into the healthcare system, noting, “Our outreach and engagement with communities are critical, and we must ensure that community health promoters are fully integrated into our healthcare system.”
On his part, Mr. Rukaria, the Secretary of Administration within the State Department of Medical Services, echoed the need for improved coordination and synergy among health agencies. “Effective communication within the ministry is critical. A centralized communication strategy will ensure that all entities are aligned in their efforts to enhance healthcare delivery,” he stressed. Rukaria also highlighted the necessity of a unified approach to corruption intervention, stating, “We need a common entry point on matters of corruption to foster a unified and effective approach.”
Dr. Abdullahi Ali, Chairman of the KEMRI Board of Directors, welcomed Dr. Barasa and the other leaders warmly, praising the Ministry’s direction. “This is an incredibly good start,” he remarked. “The ministry has begun on the right path.” He emphasized the importance of continued engagement, urging the Ministry to maintain open channels of communication with Board Chairs and CEOs of the various SAGAs to address ongoing challenges effectively. Dr. Abdullahi also highlighted KEMRI’s potential to significantly benefit the country through its research and innovation.
The meeting concluded with a robust Q&A session, where CEOs voiced concerns on several critical issues, including the need for comprehensive cancer treatment coverage and the inclusion of mental health care in UHC. The discussion underscored the necessity of a functional referral system and increased investment in the health workforce, particularly in mental health care.
As a result of the meeting, several action items were identified, including the development and implementation of robust communication strategies for each institution, the presentation of detailed action plans to combat corruption, and a comprehensive explanation of Universal Health Coverage to ensure cohesive implementation.
Dr. Barasa’s visit and her detailed vision for the Ministry of Health mark a significant step towards a more transparent, accountable, and effective healthcare system in Kenya. “This is the beginning of a new chapter for Kenya’s healthcare,” she concluded. “Together, we will make significant improvements that will benefit all Kenyans.”
