Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health for deliberations on the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill (No. 41 of 2025) at the Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi.

The Committee chaired by Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal held a comprehensive session scrutinizing the Bill, which establishes a legal framework to promote high standards of healthcare and safeguard patients’ rights — a major milestone in advancing quality healthcare services under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

Duale highlighted the existing gaps in the uniform regulation of healthcare that have enabled unqualified individuals and unauthorized facilities to operate without oversight or accountability.

He noted that such practices compromise patient safety, expose the public to preventable harm, and weaken trust in the health system.

Duale Explains How Bill Provides Solution

The CS emphasized that the Bill seeks to close these gaps by establishing a unified regulatory system for the oversight, registration, licensing, and accreditation of health facilities — promoting consistency, accountability, and improved healthcare outcomes.

Health Sector Tribunal

It also proposes the creation of a Health Sector Tribunal to harmonize dispute resolution, reinforce oversight, foster innovation, and safeguard the rights of all stakeholders.

In addition, Duale made submissions on the Health and Medical Practitioners and Dentists (Amendment) Bills, 2024, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a people-centred and equitable healthcare system.

He underscored the Ministry’s efforts to curb the commercialization of health education by ensuring training programs align with regulatory standards to uphold patient safety and professional integrity.

The Committee also deliberated on the scope of practice across health professions, emphasizing the importance of practitioners operating within their competencies to deliver safe, lawful, and effective care.

Collectively, these Bills aim to streamline healthcare regulation, enhance accountability, and strengthen patient safety across Kenya’s health sector.

The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), alongside Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council Chairperson Prof. Fredrick Were, CEO Dr. David Kariuki, and other senior Ministry officials.

Health CS Aden Duale appearing before the Departmental Committee on Health on October 7, 2025. PHOTO/MoH.