By Laura Nyabang’a
Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Duale Presided over the official launch of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), a move aimed at advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through stronger preventive and promotive healthcare.
Established via Legal Notice No. 14 of 2022, KNPHI will lead Kenya’s public health security, emergency preparedness and policy-driven research, while enhancing lab, workforce and coordination capacities.
The institute is expected to streamline public health functions, eliminate duplication, and improve Kenya’s readiness and capacity to respond to health threats.
“I underscored the urgent need for robust institutions to ensure early detection and swift response to health threats, founded on transparency, integrity and accountability,” Hon. Aden Duale stated.
“I urged all sectors to support (KNPHI) through its Director General and commended partners such as the World Bank, Africa CDC, Amref and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI), for their technical and financial backing,” added Hon. Aden Duale.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr. Abdourahmanae Diallo reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to help shape KNPHI into a globally connected, locally grounded and science-driven model for the region.
“Kenya has taken a historic step by establishing the Kenya National Public Health Institute—an empowered engine of evidence-based public health action. As WHO, we remain a committed partner in building an institute that is independent in science, rooted in Kenya’s context, connected to global networks, and responsive to today’s emergencies while preparing for tomorrow’s risks,” stated Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo.
Also present at the launch included Principal Secretaries Dr Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Dr Eng Festus Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change), Chair of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, Dr. Nyikal James, Council of Governors C.E.O Ms. Mary Mwiti and other senior officials from government and development partners.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Duale emphasized the importance of investing in resilient institutions capable of responding swiftly and effectively to public health challenges.
He commended the World Bank, Africa CDC, Amref Health Africa, and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) for their technical and financial support in operationalizing KNPHI, and urged the Public Service Commission to expedite the approval of human resource instruments to ensure the Institute’s full functionality.