The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Public Sector Unions.
MoU signing took place on October 23, 2024 at Harambee House, Nairobi.
The agreement, witnessed by Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development HJustin B. Muturi as well as Cabinet Secretary for Labour Dr. Alfred Mutua, reaffirms the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access for public servants.
Since the introduction of the NHIF-administered medical insurance scheme in 2011, civil servants have benefited from expanded coverage, now including up to six dependents.
Recognizing the challenges of transitioning to the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, the current scheme has been extended until November 21, 2024, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services during this period.
In addition, a Joint Technical Standing Committee will oversee the implementation of these agreements, with an Ad Hoc Committee tasked with reviewing legal frameworks to safeguard the healthcare benefits of civil servants.
The MoU reflects the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to ensure the well-being of all public servants as it continues to improve the healthcare system for all Kenyans.
Ministry of Health, PATH Kenya renew partnership
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and PATH Kenya have renewed their commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in Kenya, with a focus on supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In a meeting on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa and PATH Kenya’s leadership, led by Carolyne Njuguna, East Africa Regional Hub Director, discussed strategies to expand primary healthcare networks and address pressing health challenges.
Dr. Barasa highlighted the critical need to enhance health service delivery, particularly by training community health promoters, advancing social health authority registration, and improving Kenya’s response to public health threats such as Mpox and Marburg virus outbreaks.
She further emphasized that partnerships are essential for the success of Kenya’s UHC reforms, which are central to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
On her part, Njuguna outlined PATH Kenya’s contributions, including TB service delivery under the USAID Nuru ya Mtoto project, which has supported over 92,000 clients, and the rollout of the malaria vaccine.
She also noted PATH’s work in implementing the Primary Healthcare Act and developing Kenya’s digital health strategy.
The meeting, attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, signals a stronger alignment between the Ministry of Health and PATH Kenya in their efforts to advance UHC and improve health outcomes across the country.
