Kenya will hold a two-day National Health Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on October 18 and 19, 2026, to assess progress made under the Government’s health sector reforms.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale noted that preparations for the summit are underway, with the event expected to bring together healthcare workers, institutions and other stakeholders to discuss the country’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The summit will be presided over by President William Ruto and will be held under the theme “Reform Delivered, Health as a Right.”
Health CS Aden Duale leading a team of government officials inspecting the venue of the Health Summit. Photo: Courtesy.
According to CS Duale, the meeting will provide an opportunity for the Government to showcase reforms implemented under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and assess their impact on healthcare delivery.
Key areas expected to feature prominently include digital health transformation, improvements in the efficiency of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), expansion of specialised medical services and the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Duale stated that KEMSA’s medicine and medical supplies fill rate has now surpassed 90 per cent, reflecting improved availability of essential commodities in health facilities.
The Government will also highlight the expansion of specialised services through the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP), as well as the registration of more than 31 million Kenyans under SHA.
Primary healthcare will remain central to the discussions, with particular focus on the role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in delivering essential services at household level.
The summit will further examine measures aimed at improving maternal and newborn health through the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) initiative.
The planned deployment of an additional 5,000 nurses and midwives will also form part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen the health workforce and improve service delivery.
The summit will culminate in a Presidential Town Hall, where Kenyans will have an opportunity to share their experiences, concerns and expectations regarding the country’s healthcare system.
The health boss moreover noted that the forum will also provide a platform for the Government to account for reforms already implemented while gathering public input to guide the next phase of the country’s journey towards achieving UHC.
