Kenya unveils bold Patient Safety Bill to boost UHC and restore trust in healthcare

Heath Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale presenting during a health forum on proposed Patient Safety Bill on June 17, 2025/ MINISTRY OF HEALTH X ACCOUNT

The state has unveiled a proposed patient safety bill, 2025, in an engagement forum chaired by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

The Bill seeks to actualise Article 43(1)(a) of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

This includes the right to healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare, and underscores Kenya’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

“It emphasizes its alignment with five key UHC pillars already under implementation: a fully publicly financed primary healthcare system; integration of ICT and telemedicine; ring-fencing of health funds through partnerships with the National Treasury and county governments; establishment of an Emergency Medical Treatment Fund; and the provision of Social Health Insurance for all,” MoH stated.

CS Duale termed the Bill a major step in transforming Kenya’s health sector.

He also highlighted its potential to advance the country toward Vision 2030, reaffirm BETA priorities, and position Kenya as a continental leader in quality healthcare.

Some of the stakeholders at the forum on June 17, 2025, MINISTRY OF HEALTH X ACCOUNT

The Bill also proposes the establishment of a unified Healthcare Tribunal to resolve disputes involving patients, healthcare workers, and providers.

This aims to enhance access to justice, promote accountability, and address emerging areas of service such as medical aesthetic procedures, which will be brought under the same regulatory standards for quality and safety as traditional healthcare services.

Duale also reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to restoring public trust in the health system and urged stakeholders to critically and collaboratively review the Bill to ensure it aligns with Kenya’s UHC agenda and responds to the evolving needs of patients and providers alike.

He was accompanied by Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Social Health Authority CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, among other CEOs of SAGAs, chairs of boards and councils, and senior Ministry officials.