In a pivotal meeting held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Afya House in Nairobi, Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, popularly known as Guyo, engaged in high-level discussions with Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga and senior Ministry of Health officials.
The talks, centered on revolutionizing healthcare in Isiolo County, underscored a shared commitment to addressing pressing health priorities through innovative financing, workforce enhancement, digital transformation, and infrastructure upgrades.
Accompanied by County Secretary Dade Boru, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Lucy Kagwiria, and Chief Officer Dr. Mohamud Abdikadir, Governor Hassan laid out a bold vision to elevate Isiolo’s healthcare system to new heights.
A Strategic Focus on Health Financing and Social Health Authority Integration
A cornerstone of the discussions was health financing, with a particular emphasis on integrating Isiolo’s healthcare facilities into the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework.
The SHA, a transformative initiative aimed at ensuring equitable access to healthcare across Kenya, is set to streamline funding and service delivery in the county.
Governor Hassan and PS Oluga explored strategies to fast-track the registration of Isiolo’s health facilities under the SHA, ensuring that residents, particularly those in underserved areas, benefit from affordable and accessible medical services.
The integration into SHA is expected to bolster Isiolo’s capacity to address healthcare disparities, reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients, and enhance the county’s ability to deliver quality care.
By aligning with national health financing goals, Isiolo aims to create a sustainable model that prioritizes universal health coverage (UHC) while addressing local needs.
Strengthening the Health Workforce for Better Service Delivery
Recognizing the critical role of healthcare professionals in achieving UHC, the meeting delved into strategies for strengthening Isiolo’s health workforce.
Discussions centered on transitioning UHC staff to permanent and pensionable terms, a move designed to boost morale, reduce turnover, and ensure continuity in service delivery.
Governor Hassan emphasized the need for a skilled, motivated, and adequately resourced workforce to meet the county’s growing healthcare demands.
The talks also explored training and capacity-building programs to equip healthcare workers with the skills needed to tackle emerging challenges, such as non-communicable diseases and maternal health issues.
By investing in human resources, Isiolo aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access and improve patient outcomes across its facilities.
Digitizing Health Systems for Efficiency and Transparency
In line with Kenya’s broader push toward digital transformation, the meeting highlighted the urgent need to modernize Isiolo’s health systems through digitization.
Governor Hassan and PS Oluga discussed the implementation of digital health platforms to streamline patient records, improve data management, and enhance service delivery.
A digitized health system is expected to reduce inefficiencies, minimize errors, and provide real-time data for informed decision-making.
The adoption of technology is particularly critical for Isiolo, a county with vast geographical challenges and remote populations.
Digital tools, such as telemedicine and electronic health records, could revolutionize access to care in far-flung areas, ensuring that no resident is left behind.
The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between the county and national government to secure funding and technical expertise for this ambitious undertaking.
Elevating Isiolo County Teaching and Referral Hospital to Level 5 Status
A key highlight of the meeting was the ambitious plan to elevate Isiolo County Teaching and Referral Hospital to Level 5 status, a move that would position it as a regional hub for specialized healthcare.
This upgrade would enable the hospital to offer advanced medical services, including specialized surgeries, diagnostics, and critical care, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment outside the county.
Governor Hassan outlined the county’s roadmap for achieving this milestone, which includes infrastructure upgrades, equipment procurement, and partnerships with medical training institutions to support the hospital’s teaching mandate.
PS Oluga reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to supporting Isiolo’s aspirations, emphasizing that the elevation to Level 5 status aligns with the national government’s goal of decentralizing specialized care.
A Collaborative Approach to Healthcare Transformation
The presence of key county officials, including County Secretary Dade Boru, CECM for Health Lucy Kagwiria, and Chief Officer Dr. Mohamud Abdikadir, underscored the collaborative nature of the initiative.
Their participation ensured that the discussions were grounded in the realities of Isiolo’s healthcare landscape, with actionable insights drawn from on-the-ground experiences.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of aligning county-level priorities with national health policies.
By fostering a strong partnership with the Ministry of Health, Isiolo is poised to leverage technical and financial support to drive its healthcare agenda forward.
A Vision for a Healthier Isiolo
Governor Hassan’s engagement with PS Oluga signals a new chapter in Isiolo’s healthcare journey. The county, long grappling with challenges such as limited resources and geographical barriers, is now at the cusp of transformative change.
The focus on health financing, workforce development, digitization, and infrastructure upgrades reflects a holistic approach to addressing both immediate and long-term healthcare needs.
As Isiolo works toward integrating its facilities into the SHA, strengthening its health workforce, and elevating its referral hospital, the county is setting a precedent for other regions to follow.
The outcomes of this high-level meeting are expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for Isiolo’s residents but also for Kenya’s broader universal health coverage goals.
Looking Ahead
The Afya House summit marks a significant step toward realizing Isiolo’s vision of a robust, equitable, and efficient healthcare system.
With the support of the Ministry of Health and the leadership of Governor Hassan, the county is well-positioned to overcome its challenges and deliver world-class healthcare to its people.
As these initiatives take shape, Isiolo stands to become a model of healthcare excellence in Kenya’s devolved system, ensuring that every resident has access to the care they deserve.
For further updates on Isiolo’s healthcare transformation and other county initiatives, stay tuned to official government channels and local news outlets including ICBNews.
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