CS Aden Duale Presents 2026 Budget Policy Statement for Public Health to Parliamentary Committee
Nairobi, Kenya – - Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, presented the 2026 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards to the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health at Bunge Towers, outlining priority investments to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In his address, the CS underscored the Department’s central role in delivering a resilient and people-centred health system, structured around four strategic pillars: preventive and promotive health services, human resource development and innovation, health policy and standards, and strengthened regulatory systems.
The 2026 BPS is anchored on the theme, “Accelerating Gains Under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth,” reflecting the government’s broader commitment to expanding equitable access to quality healthcare across the country.
Hon. Duale emphasised that preventive and promotive health interventions remain the most cost-effective pathway to reducing disease burden and healthcare costs. He highlighted priority programmes requiring enhanced financing, including the expansion of community health systems and the operationalisation of Primary Care Networks to strengthen frontline service delivery and early disease detection.
Guided by constitutional principles of transparency, accountability and prudent use of public resources, the CS reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to align budgeting with measurable health outcomes and system-wide reforms. He noted that sustained and predictable funding is critical to safeguarding public health gains, strengthening regulatory oversight, and supporting workforce development and innovation.
The CS appealed to the Committee to review and enhance budget allocations for key preventive health programmes and health system strengthening initiatives, noting that increased investment in public health will reduce long-term treatment costs and improve national productivity.
The session was chaired by Dr. James Nyikal, Member of Parliament for Seme and Chair of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health. Also in attendance were the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms Mary Muthoni; Director General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth; as well as Chief Executive Officers and technical heads from the Ministry of Health.
The presentation forms part of the government’s broader reform agenda aimed at building a strong, inclusive and efficient health system capable of delivering sustainable UHC and advancing Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.