Duale Tables Health Tariff Amendments to Strengthen UHC and Financial Protection
Nairobi, Kenya - - Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation at Bunge Towers, Nairobi, to present the Tariffs for Healthcare Services (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 78 of 2026) for parliamentary consideration.
The proposed amendments seek to strengthen financial risk protection, expand access to essential health services and support the Government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
A key proposal is the introduction of a Maternal, Newborn and Child Health benefit package under the Primary Healthcare Fund. The package will support free maternity services at Level 2 and Level 3 facilities and cover antenatal care, normal and Caesarean deliveries, postnatal and newborn care, immunisation, and nutrition services for mothers and children.
The regulations also propose enhanced support for patients with cancer and other chronic illnesses through the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF). Annual support for chronic cancer care is set to increase from KES 150,000 to KES 400,000 per beneficiary. Combined with benefits under the Social Health Insurance Fund, eligible patients could access up to KES 800,000 in healthcare coverage.
Hon. Duale noted that the proposed reforms are informed by scientific evidence, health technology assessments and stakeholder consultations, including public participation.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a sustainable health financing system that protects vulnerable households from financial hardship while improving access to quality healthcare services.
The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by a delegation from the Social Health Authority led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, alongside senior Ministry of Health officials.