Nairobi, Kenya| On July 10, 2025, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale took center stage at the 2025 State of Devolution Address in Nairobi, joining Council of Governors (CoG) Chair and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and other prominent leaders to celebrate 12 years of transformative devolution in Kenya.
The event, themed “For the People, For Prosperity,” underscored the pivotal role of devolution in advancing healthcare and fostering inclusive, people-driven development across the nation.
CS Duale reaffirmed health as a cornerstone of Kenya’s devolution journey, urging both national and county governments to intensify efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare services.
A Vision for Universal Health Coverage
In his address, CS Duale emphasized that health remains at the heart of Kenya’s devolution agenda. “Devolution has revolutionized service delivery, and healthcare is its beating pulse,” he declared.
He called for deeper collaboration between national and county governments to ensure that every Kenyan has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location.
Duale lauded the Council of Governors for its relentless efforts in driving progress in healthcare, particularly in the pursuit of UHC, which he described as a “moral and constitutional imperative.”
The Cabinet Secretary urged stakeholders to prioritize multi-sectoral collaboration to address systemic challenges in healthcare delivery. “Achieving UHC requires us to work beyond silos—government, private sector, and communities must align to deliver sustainable, equitable healthcare,” he said.
His remarks set the tone for a renewed commitment to strengthening Kenya’s health systems, ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for a healthier nation.
Key Milestones in Kenya’s Healthcare Transformation
The 2025 State of Devolution Address featured the release of the “For the People, For Prosperity” report, a comprehensive document highlighting significant milestones in Kenya’s healthcare sector under devolution.
CS Duale spotlighted several achievements that underscore the country’s progress toward UHC:
- Social Health Insurance Authority (SHA) Enrollment: Over 24.4 million Kenyans have been registered under the SHA, a landmark initiative aimed at ensuring affordable healthcare for all. This mass registration reflects the government’s commitment to expanding health insurance coverage and reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
- Digital Health Advancements: The distribution of 8,316 tablets to support digital health information systems has revolutionized healthcare delivery. These devices enable real-time data collection and management, enhancing decision-making and improving service delivery in public health facilities.
- Oxygen Supply Infrastructure: The installation of 75 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants, with 59 currently operational, has significantly bolstered Kenya’s capacity to provide life-saving oxygen therapy. Additionally, 86% of public health facilities are now equipped with oxygen concentrators, ensuring a steady oxygen supply for critical care.
- National Medical Equipment Service Project (NESP): A total of 541 healthcare facilities have been assessed for equipment placement under the NESP, with 28 counties already offering services. To date, 29,669 services have been rendered, improving access to specialized medical care across the country.
- Healthcare Workforce: Kenya boasts a robust healthcare workforce, with 226,434 professionals employed in both public and private sectors. This diverse workforce is critical to meeting the growing healthcare demands of the population.
- Community Health Promoters (CHPs): The deployment of 107,831 CHPs has strengthened preventive and promotive healthcare at the grassroots level. These promoters play a vital role in educating communities, preventing diseases, and linking citizens to essential health services.
CS Duale described these achievements as “a testament to the power of devolution” and emphasized the importance of sustaining this momentum to address emerging health challenges, including non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and pandemic preparedness.
The Role of Devolution in Healthcare Progress
The “For the People, For Prosperity” report, launched during the event, serves as a critical tool for tracking the impact of devolution on Kenya’s development.
CS Duale highlighted the report’s role in fostering accountability and transparency, enabling policymakers to identify gaps and implement targeted interventions. “This report is not just a record of achievements; it is a roadmap for inclusive, people-driven development,” he noted.
The event also showcased the collaborative spirit of devolution, with leaders from both levels of government reaffirming their commitment to shared goals.
Duale commended the Council of Governors for its leadership in coordinating county-level efforts and fostering partnerships with national institutions, development partners, and the private sector.
Dignitaries and Collaborative Leadership
The 2025 State of Devolution Address was graced by a distinguished lineup of leaders, reflecting the event’s significance in Kenya’s governance landscape.
Among the attendees were CoG Vice Chairperson and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, German Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Alexander Fierley, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni, and Principal Secretary for Devolution Michael Lenasalon.
Governors from across the country, alongside other county and national leaders, also attended, underscoring the collective resolve to advance devolution’s gains.
The presence of international partners, such as the German Deputy Ambassador, highlighted the global recognition of Kenya’s devolution model as a blueprint for decentralized governance.
CS Duale acknowledged the contributions of development partners in supporting Kenya’s healthcare and devolution initiatives, calling for continued collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals.
A Call to Action for a Healthier Future
As Kenya marks 12 years of devolution, CS Aden Duale’s address at the 2025 State of Devolution Address serves as a clarion call for renewed efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
By leveraging the successes of devolution, strengthening multi-sectoral partnerships, and investing in innovative health solutions, Kenya is well-positioned to build a resilient and equitable healthcare system.
The milestones outlined in the “For the People, For Prosperity” report demonstrate the transformative impact of devolution on healthcare delivery.
From expanding health insurance coverage to enhancing digital health systems and improving access to critical medical equipment, Kenya’s progress is undeniable.
However, CS Duale emphasized that the journey is far from over. “Let us double our efforts to ensure that every Kenyan, from the remotest village to the urban centers, has access to quality healthcare,” he urged.
What Next?
The 2025 State of Devolution Address not only celebrated Kenya’s achievements over the past 12 years but also set the stage for a future where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
Under the leadership of CS Aden Duale and in collaboration with the Council of Governors and other stakeholders, Kenya is poised to achieve its vision of Universal Health Coverage, ensuring prosperity for all its citizens.
As the nation continues to harness the power of devolution, the “For the People, For Prosperity” ethos will remain a guiding light in building a healthier, more inclusive Kenya.
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