Nairobi expands health services but gaps remain, Sakaja says
The governor revealed that Mutuini Hospital is nearing completion of its ICU project, currently at 90 percent.
The governor revealed that Mutuini Hospital is nearing completion of its ICU project, currently at 90 percent.
Under the Bill, anyone found engaging in paid surrogacy or trading in human embryos could face a fine of up to Sh10 million or a jail term of up to ten years, or both. The law also bars medical professionals from facilitating such transactions, warning that doctors and embryologists who violate the law will face the same punishment.
According to the Health CS, attendance in key hospitals, including Thika Level 5 and Kiambu County Referral Hospital, dropped sharply during the industrial action. The number of patients seeking care fell from 80,452 between June and August 2024 to 54,282 in the same period of 2025, leaving more than 26,000 people without medical attention.
According to the Malaria Epidemic Early Warning Prediction System for Western Kenya Highlands, the latest forecast shows that Kakamega faces elevated malaria transmission risks, while Kisii and Nandi are expected to remain stable with no epidemic threat.
During the flag-off ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale said the project demonstrates Kenya’s dedication to building a strong oxygen system while advancing the country’s path toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The World Cancer Leaders’ Summit (WCLS) is one of the most prestigious gatherings in the global health calendar.
The mission will benefit 50 children after a Sh120 million donation by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa of the Kingdom of Morocco.
The new framework, titled “Responding to the health financing emergency: immediate measures and longer-term shifts,” provides a set of policy options aimed at protecting critical health services, improving efficiency, and promoting sustainable domestic financing for national health systems.
The association explained that the Health Ministry’s pending liabilities cover several subsidy and maternal health programmes, including Sh2.12 billion for Linda Mama, Sh1.42 billion under the programme for orphans and vulnerable children, Sh289 million for older persons and persons with severe disabilities, and Sh4 billion for indigent households under the universal health coverage roll-out.
The report shows strong quality improvement structures in higher-tier hospitals, with 92 per cent of Level 5 facilities having quality teams. This dropped to 85 per cent in Level 4 and 63 per cent in Level 3 centres. Urban facilities scored 76 per cent, ahead of rural ones at 62 per cent. Over the past two years, 20,044 health workers have received training on improving care delivery, with Level 5 hospitals contributing 25 per cent of those trained.
Earlier this month, KMPDU reported that more than 105 people had died in Kiambu hospitals since the strike began in May. Union chairperson James Githinji said two major hospitals in the county recorded 53 infant deaths in September alone.
The plan introduces new HIV prevention tools such as long-acting injectables and the dapivirine ring, aiming to cut new infections in high-burden counties by strengthening access and health worker training.
The 2025 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report, produced in collaboration with WHO shows that 12 out of 20 key indicators tracking health threats have reached record highs.
The new unit, which is equipped with a specialized heart treatment kit, will double the hospital's daily diagnostic capacity from 50 to 100 scans, improving both the speed and accuracy of diagnoses, particularly for critical conditions like cardiac diseases, cancer, and trauma injuries.
Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Duale said the shift was necessary to resolve structural and financial challenges that had limited the effectiveness of the free maternity program.
Sankei, a highly experienced auditor with more than 20 years in the field, brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. His career spans leadership positions in key organizations such as the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), and the Public Service Commission (PSC), giving him a unique perspective on both public and private sector operations. The appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process that began on July 29, 2025, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection.
The report identifies postpartum haemorrhage as the leading cause of maternal deaths, with Tana River, Garissa, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Machakos, Homa Bay, Siaya, Wajir, Kilifi, Murang’a, Makueni, Migori, and Turkana counties having the highest fatalities. Kenya’s maternal mortality ratio remains at 355 per 100,000 live births, while neonatal mortality is 21 per 1,000 live births.
The proposal, aimed at easing the financial strain on thousands of patients, was revealed by SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi when she appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health.
During a fact-finding mission to Athi River Level 4 and Mwala Level 4 hospitals, members of the Senate Health Committee were met with emotional pleas from health workers who revealed they had not received salaries for nearly six months. Some broke down in tears as they narrated their struggles to survive while still serving patients.
According to Kinyua, SHA has disregarded both the President’s commitment and the law’s transitional clauses, leaving the majority of NHIF workers facing the threat of job loss.
Data released on Friday shows that the deficit spans critical professions, with an estimated shortage of 4.5 million nurses, 3.1 million doctors, 1.9 million midwives, 0.3 million dentists, and 0.2 million pharmacists. In total, the global health workforce shortfall is projected to reach 10.2 million workers within the next five years.
KMA highlighted that the strike denies residents their constitutional right to access the highest standard of health, as provided in Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya. The body cautioned that continued disruption could undo gains in maternal and neonatal health, and weaken trust in both county and national health services.
The partnership, announced on Thursday, October 23, 2025, aims to deliver advanced ear surgeries and expand access to quality, affordable healthcare for patients across Western Kenya.
According to the Auditor General, the land has been tied up in a legal battle since 2011, with investigations handled by both the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Despite the NHIF holding the original title documents, the case remains unresolved.
The 11-hour surgery, performed on September 22, 2025, is believed to be one of the largest of its kind globally.
Conducted in partnership with Amref Health Africa, the initiative aims to equip CHPs with essential knowledge and skills to advance Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the strategies mark a major step in integrating climate action into Kenya’s health and development agenda.
Oluga said each ambulance has been fitted with both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment, enabling paramedics and medical teams to respond to any medical emergency.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah noted that while the national government has implemented many reforms, counties continue to lag behind.
He highlighted SHA’s progress in reducing claims backlogs through strict verification, provider training, and strengthened digital systems.