Government Prepares For Nationwide Universal Health Coverage Roll-Out

By Dorothy  Musyoka

The Kenya Kwanza Administration is set to launch one of its flagship programs, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), on October 1, 2024.

In preparation for this crucial initiative, a collaborative meeting was held at the Kenya School of Government, Kabete, bringing together senior officials from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Ministry of Health.

The meeting aimed to ensure a seamless rollout of UHC across the country, leveraging the existing National Government Administration structure.

The government has prioritized UHC as one of its five key pillars, with the legal framework now in place and all necessary preparatory work completed.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration, under the guidance of Executive Order No. 1 of 2023, has been tasked with coordinating the efforts of various government agencies to support this national agenda.

According to interior Cabinet secretary Prof.Kithure Kindiki, the role of National Government Administration Officers (NGAOS) will be critical in facilitating the registration of 12 million households into the UHC system.

“National Government Administration Officers (NGAOS) are wired to deliver Government programmes seamlessly and will facilitate the registration of 12M households effectively, efficiently, and at minimal cost,” stated Prof. Kindiki.

Cabinet Secretaries Hon. Prof. Kithure Kindiki (Interior) and Dr. Deborah Barasa (Health) led the high-level discussions, reaffirming their ministries’ joint commitment to delivering health coverage to all Kenyans.

The comprehensive UHC program will guarantee affordable and quality healthcare for all Kenyans, representing a significant step forward in improving the nation’s healthcare system.

As the October 1st rollout approaches, the government’s efforts are focused on ensuring that all necessary structures are in place to achieve a successful implementation.

Kenya remains committed to the promise of Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in accessing essential health services.