Nairobi, July 21, 2025 — Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni of the Ministry of Health has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system through ongoing reforms, including the Social Health Authority (SHA), community health initiatives, and digital transformation. Speaking during an interview on TV47 last night, the PS defended the SHA model while outlining key achievements and addressing public concerns.
Does SHA Work?
PS Muthoni confirmed that SHA is working across the country. Responding to critiques that SHA is ineffective, she stated that the program is operational and continues to evolve. She emphasized that the SHA rollout is a continuous process and should not be expected to deliver perfection overnight. She added that generalizations however, undermine genuine efforts to improve healthcare and people saying that the model is not working should be specific.
“I want to confirm that. It is working. I want people now to go to specifics. Tell me which facility where it has not worked for you, who attended to you so that we are able to fix issues.” -Mary Muthoni.
The PS further highlighted that SHA integrates three major funds:
- Primary Care Fund, which guarantees free services at the primary level,
- Social Health Insurance Fund, and
- Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund, which ensures all patients receive care regardless of ability to pay.
Muthoni also reiterated that under the Facility Improvement Financing Act 2023, health funds must remain within the sector and be properly budgeted to enhance infrastructure and patient safety.
Community Health Promoters
Highlighting milestones under the Afya Mashinani agenda, the PS pointed to the rollout of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) as a key success of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The PS refered to CHPs as gamechangers because they are the level one healthcare workforce. They are on the ground, checking blood pressure, monitoring pregnancies, and referring people for further assessments to the health facilities.”
Muthoni further mentioned some of the achievements of CHPs:
- Screened 36 million people for blood sugar,
- Checked 24 million for blood pressure,
- Referred over 400,000 individuals to health facilities,
- Served 9 million children under five years.
“The rolling out of Community Health Promoters was a gamechanger, is still a gamechanger” Mary Muthoni
In a move to professionalize community based care, each CHP is assigned to 100 households. They are equipped with a smartphone for data collection and a kit with medical commodities. The CHPS are also paid for their services and receive continous training to manage primary care in their communities.
On Donor Funding and Vaccines
On concerns about donor funding and access to essential drugs for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, PS Muthoni assured Kenyans that no one would go without treatment. The government is working on restructuring programs to align, reallocations and is open to collaborations with partners.
“There is no cause for alarm. And nobody will go without being treated or without drugs for HIV, for Malaria or for TB.” -Mary Muthoni
Regarding vaccines, she stressed that all vaccines approved by the Ministry of Health are safe. The PS also informed that people react differently to vaccines, and that should not be cause for panic. Instead of running to social media, she urged people to report any reactions to the nearest health facility.
“Any vaccine that is given to people in this country, whether it is vaccinating young children or vaccines for grown ups, is safe. As long as it is coming from the ministry of health, it is safe” -Mary Muthoni
Healthcare Workforce and Intern Absorption
While she acknowledged concerns around healthcare staffing, the PS said the matter is being addressed, noting that Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is working diligently to ensure timely absorption of medical interns.
Digital Health Transformation
Referencing the Digital Health Act 2023, Muthoni said digitization remains a key focus of the Ministry, enhancing accountability, patient tracking, and data-informed decision-making across all health levels.
As Kenya continues its health reform journey, the PS called for patience, partnership, and proactive communication. She concluded, reaffirming that the Ministry remains committed to equitable, quality healthcare for all.
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