By Petra Njeri
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called on nurses and midwives to lead the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Social Health Authority (SHA) reforms.
The CS held a strategic engagement with nursing and midwifery representatives led by Dr. Judith Awinja, Head of Nursing and Midwifery Services at the Ministry of Health.
Duale highlighted the vital role nurses and midwives play in building community trust, linking people to health services, and driving resource mobilization.
He noted their central role in implementing SHA service packages, which cover maternity care, emergency response, chronic disease management, and palliative care.
“Nurses play an essential role in the rollout, implementation and ensuring the impact of these packages at the community level,” stated Duale.
With nurses making up over 70% of Kenya’s health workforce, the CS urged them to champion SHA registration and lead community sensitization efforts.
The CS further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empower nurses and midwives through increased training opportunities and better-equipped health facilities.
He also emphasized their inclusion in national health strategies and decision-making processes.
Among the measures put by the government initiatives include the rollout of the electronic Community Health Information Systems (eCHIS) and the upcoming integration of frontline voices in Kenya’s Artificial Intelligence in health strategy.
Also present were Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Secretary Administration Mr. Adan Harakhe.