Kenya's health minister asked lawmakers on Tuesday to approve additional funding for medical programs and to pay off outstanding insurance debts that threaten service delivery. Aden Duale told the National Assembly health committee that his ministry needs larger budgets for primary care and the treatment of serious, long-term diseases. He said these programs ensure fair access to basic services and protect patients with chronic conditions.
Duale explained that settling what the former National Health Insurance Fund owes would help the new Social Health Authority operate smoothly. The minister responded to a committee report from October 2025 that found problems with health financing changes. He said improvements are already showing results, as the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority raised its order completion rate from 32 percent to 67 percent while cutting delivery times from 33 days to 12.
The ministry plans to start free ambulance services linked to a national emergency dispatch center. Duale appeared before the committee chairman, James Nyikal, alongside other senior health officials to discuss fixes based on 18 observations and 14 recommendations.
Duale explained that settling what the former National Health Insurance Fund owes would help the new Social Health Authority operate smoothly. The minister responded to a committee report from October 2025 that found problems with health financing changes. He said improvements are already showing results, as the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority raised its order completion rate from 32 percent to 67 percent while cutting delivery times from 33 days to 12.
The ministry plans to start free ambulance services linked to a national emergency dispatch center. Duale appeared before the committee chairman, James Nyikal, alongside other senior health officials to discuss fixes based on 18 observations and 14 recommendations.
