By Dorothy Musyoka
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has officially inaugurated the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel and its Secretariat to guide Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms.
The Advisory Panel, established under Gazette Notice No. 5044 of 23rd April 2025, is chaired by renowned public health expert Prof. Walter Jaoko.
The panel is tasked with providing technical expertise and policy direction to the Ministry of Health and the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA).
Its mandate includes developing inclusive, evidence-based health benefits and tariff structures that align with Kenya’s health priorities.
In his address, CS Duale emphasized the importance of adopting a data-driven, inclusive approach to health policy.
“This Panel is central to ensuring that what we offer under UHC is aligned with national needs, is affordable for the people, and is financially sustainable,” said the CS.
“Our goal is to deliver healthcare that leaves no one behind,” he added.
The Panel will undertake rigorous Health Technology Assessments (HTA) to design and regularly update health benefits packages, revise healthcare tariffs to promote affordability and cost-effectiveness, and identify urgent but currently unavailable interventions for integration into the system.
The initiative symbolizes a renewed commitment to achieving quality, accessible and equitable healthcare for all Kenyans.
The Secretariat will be hosted at the University of Nairobi’s College of Health Sciences, symbolising a strong partnership between government, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
Hon. Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Panel’s work, calling on stakeholders to play an active role in shaping the future of healthcare in Kenya.
The inauguration was attended by top health sector leaders, including Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga and Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni.