Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening people-centred healthcare systems through integrated primary healthcare reforms during a high-level meeting held alongside the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Speaking during a session on financing and integrated care for universal health coverage, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga said Kenya’s healthcare reforms are focused on creating a more coordinated and patient-centred system.
According to Oluga, effective healthcare integration requires more than policy commitments and must include proper financing, workforce development, digital systems, governance and community involvement.
Shift From Fragmented Care
The PS said Kenya has gradually moved away from fragmented disease-specific programmes toward integrated healthcare models that allow patients to receive multiple services within the same primary healthcare system.
He noted that services such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal healthcare, mental health and treatment for non-communicable diseases are now increasingly being delivered through unified healthcare platforms.
Oluga explained that the integrated approach helps improve access to healthcare services while reducing gaps in treatment and patient follow-up.
Role of Primary Care Networks
Dr Oluga identified Primary Care Networks as one of the key pillars supporting Kenya’s healthcare reforms.
He said the networks have improved coordination between community health units, dispensaries, health centres and referral hospitals, strengthening referrals, continuity of care and distribution of medical supplies.
The PS added that Community Health Promoters continue to play an important role in connecting households to healthcare services through health education, disease prevention, maternal and child healthcare support and monitoring of disease outbreaks.
Focus on Healthcare Financing
On healthcare financing, Oluga said Kenya is prioritising pooled financing and strategic purchasing systems to support integrated healthcare delivery and reduce dependence on fragmented funding mechanisms.
He also noted that Kenya’s devolved system of government has enabled counties to develop healthcare solutions that respond to local needs through workforce deployment, planning and service innovation.
At the same time, the national government continues to provide policy direction and coordination across the health sector.
Investment in Digital Health Systems
Oluga said Kenya is also investing in digital health technologies to strengthen patient management, referrals, accountability, supply chain systems and continuity of care.
He stressed that resilient healthcare systems must be capable of responding to infectious diseases, maternal health challenges, non-communicable diseases and future public health emergencies.
The side event brought together policymakers, health experts and development partners to discuss strategies for building resilient, equitable and sustainable universal health coverage systems through integrated healthcare and financing reforms.
