Kenya validates second-generation national health security plan to strengthen pandemic preparedness

KENYA—Kenya has taken a significant step toward fortifying its health emergency preparedness by validating its second-generation National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS II), setting the stage for an official launch later this year.

The validation follows a Joint External Evaluation conducted in September 2024, which assessed the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.

The multi-year strategic plan aims to ensure that national capacities for health emergency preparedness, response, and recovery are systematically planned, built, strengthened, and sustained to protect vulnerable populations while contributing to global health security.

Collaborative approach brings key stakeholders together

The validation workshop drew 60 participants representing a broad spectrum of expertise and institutional knowledge.

Government ministries, academic institutions, research organizations, and implementing partners converged to review and refine the plan.

Key participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health, Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), Kenya Defence Forces, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Environment, county governments, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), World Health Organization (WHO), Palladium, and various other partners and stakeholders.

This collaborative approach underscores the plan’s emphasis on whole-of-government and whole-of-society engagement, recognizing that health security extends far beyond the health sector alone.

Comprehensive costing exercise informs strategic priorities

The validation process built upon a comprehensive costing exercise completed in August 2025, during which more than 50 participants developed a fully costed strategy and operational plan.

The exercise incorporated critical lessons learned from previous disease outbreak preparedness and response efforts while addressing gaps identified through recent evaluations.

Dr. Victoria Kanana Kimonye, emergency preparedness and Response specialist at KNPHI, highlighted a persistent challenge facing health security efforts.

“While capacity is being built in emergency preparedness, there are things holding us back such as our inability to access funds immediately,” she explained.

Strengthening local response and resource mobilization

The plan strategically prioritizes strengthening sub-national systems, enabling communities to contain emergencies locally before they escalate into larger crises.

This decentralized approach recognizes that early intervention at the local level can prevent widespread outbreaks and save lives.

Resource mobilization represents another critical focus area.

Dr. Kimonye pointed out that existing resources remain underutilized due to systemic barriers.

 “The resources exist, but as a health fraternity we have not learned how to access them through existing processes and guidelines,” she noted.

Digital integration and one Health collaboration

Kenya’s multiple digital systems for surveillance, emergency response, and laboratory work will be integrated to create a more cohesive and efficient operational framework.

This technological integration will enhance data sharing, improve situational awareness, and enable faster decision-making during health emergencies.

The plan also emphasizes collaborative surveillance across One Health sectors, bringing together animal health, environmental health, and human health stakeholders.

This integrated approach recognizes that many emerging infectious diseases originate in animals or environmental sources, making cross-sectoral collaboration essential for effective prevention and response.

WHO provides technical support

Throughout the costing and validation process, WHO has provided crucial technical guidance, templates, and tools to ensure the plan’s viability.

Dr. Martins Livinus, WHO Kenya’s Team Lead for Emergency Preparedness and Response, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s health security efforts.

“This ensures the plan is feasible, realistic, and implementable,” Dr. Livinus stated.

“As Secretariat to the International Health Regulations (2005), WHO is here to guide and support Kenya and its partners.”

The Kenya National Public Health Institute will coordinate implementation and employ quarterly monitoring mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability.

Dr. Kimonye reinforced the plan’s comprehensive nature, stating, “This is not only a health sector plan. It is a whole of government and whole of society approach to protect Kenyans from the next pandemic.”