Kenya launches Advisory Panel to strengthen Universal Health Coverage

KENYA— Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has officially inaugurated the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel along with its Secretariat to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya.

This new body is tasked with developing inclusive, evidence-based health benefit packages and tariff structures that are essential for the successful implementation of UHC across the country.

 The Advisory Panel was formally established through Gazette Notice No. 5044, dated April 23, 2025.

It is chaired by Professor Walter Jaoko, a respected expert in public health.

The panel’s main role is to provide technical advice to the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Their focus will be on designing and regularly updating health benefits packages using Health Technology Assessment (HTA), ensuring healthcare tariffs are cost-effective and affordable, and identifying urgent health interventions that are currently missing from the system.

During the inauguration ceremony, Hon. Aden Duale emphasized the importance of using a structured, data-driven approach to shape health policies.

He explained that the panel will analyze the country’s disease burden, population health needs, and the accessibility of health services to guide informed decision-making.

Additionally, the panel will encourage active participation from all stakeholders within the healthcare sector, including government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society, and private sector partners.

“The establishment of this panel is crucial to making sure that the healthcare services we offer under UHC truly meet the needs of our people,” said Hon. Duale.

“We want services that are affordable, relevant to the health challenges Kenyans face, and financially sustainable in the long run. Our ultimate goal is to provide healthcare that leaves no one behind.”

The Secretariat supporting the panel will be based at the University of Nairobi’s College of Health Sciences.

This location symbolizes a strong collaboration between the government, academic institutions, civil society, and the private sector, reflecting a united front in improving Kenya’s healthcare system.

Hon. Duale also reiterated the Ministry of Health’s commitment to backing the panel’s work fully.

He called on all stakeholders to actively engage in shaping the future of healthcare in Kenya, highlighting that collective effort is key to achieving the country’s health goals.

The inauguration event was attended by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), along with senior officials and representatives from various health sector organizations.

This initiative marks a promising step towards a more equitable and effective healthcare system in Kenya, ensuring that health benefits and costs are aligned with the real needs of the population, paving the way for a healthier future for all Kenyans.

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