Duale Reveals What Kenyans Must Get Right for Universal Health Coverage to Work

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has stressed the importance of reliable access to safe, effective and affordable medicines as the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) marks 40 years of service to Kenya’s health sector.

Duale presided over MEDS’ 40th anniversary celebrations on September 29, where he highlighted the organisation’s contribution to the sourcing, testing, quality assurance and distribution of essential medicines and health products.

MEDS was established in 1986 and has supported health facilities across the country for four decades. Duale said Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda should focus on the experience of patients when they seek healthcare.

“Universal Health Coverage must be measured by the experience of patients at the point of care, including their ability to obtain medicines and health products that are safe, effective, affordable and meet the required quality standards,” Duale said.

He said access to quality medicines remains an important part of delivering healthcare to Kenyans.

MEDS has also provided independent quality-testing services while supporting health facilities with access to essential medicines and other health products.

The organisation has maintained World Health Organization prequalification since 2009. It also holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and attained ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation in 2024.

Aden Duale Highlights SHA Claims

Duale also recognised the role of faith-based health facilities in healthcare delivery under the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework. According to the Ministry of Health, 876 faith-based facilities currently have active SHA contracts, while 530 are using the system to transact.

The facilities have submitted claims valued at Ksh41.1 billion, with KSh29.8 billion already settled. Duale said progress under SHA must be accompanied by continued improvements in claims processing and settlement.

He noted that reliable and timely payments would help health facilities maintain uninterrupted services and ensure the continued availability of essential medicines and supplies.

Also Read:SHA Revises Healthcare Provider Contract for 2026–2029 Cycle

Digital Systems to Improve Accountability

The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the role of digital systems in improving accountability and visibility across Kenya’s health sector.

The reforms form part of wider efforts to strengthen Kenya’s health systems and regulatory capabilities as the country works towards attaining World Health Organization Maturity Level 3.

Also Read:SHA Sounds Warning to 7,244 Health Facilities Ahead of October 1

MEDS Enters Fifth Decade

As MEDS enters its fifth decade, Duale called for greater investment in resilient supply chains, a skilled and adequately equipped health workforce and strong independent quality-testing systems.

The anniversary celebrations also marked the launch of MEDS Devane Company Limited. The special-purpose vehicle will support MEDS’ expansion into the private market and create a platform for exploring additional opportunities in the healthcare sector.

The event was attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Chief Executive Officer Waqo Ejersa, Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Mohamed, MEDS Chairperson Rt. Rev. Cleophas Oseso and MEDS Chief Executive Officer Wycliffe Nandama.

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Photo collage of Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale and Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Chief Executive Officer Waqo Ejersa, Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Mohamed, MEDS Chairperson Rt. Rev. Cleophas Oseso and MEDS Chief Executive Officer Wycliffe Nandama during the MEDS 40th anniversary celebrations in Nairobi on September 29
PHOTO/MoH