Public Health PS Mary Muthoni /HANDOUT
The Ministry of Health has emphasised the need to strengthen public health systems through policies and regulatory frameworks that keep pace with emerging technologies, digital transformation, evolving disease patterns and new healthcare delivery models.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, chaired a State Department Management Meeting bringing together heads of directorates, departments and units to review progress on key programmes and ongoing policy reforms aimed at improving health outcomes and service delivery.
The meeting examined several legislative and policy initiatives currently under review . These include the review of the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act (Cap 254), formulation of the National Tobacco Control Strategy, validation of Primary Health Care Regulations, revision of alcohol and substance abuse prevention guidelines, review of the School Health Policy, and integration of public participation recommendations into the Volunteerism Policy.
According to the Ministry, these reforms are intended to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve prevention strategies, and align health governance structures with current and emerging public health needs.
Updates were also provided on disease surveillance and emergency preparedness systems. The department reported ongoing response measures to Mpox, Dengue Fever and Measles, alongside expanded efforts to strengthen early detection and containment mechanisms.
Other priorities discussed included the implementation of the “Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani” initiative, expansion of community health services, and preparations for the Kenya Public Health International Conference (KEPHIC) 2026, which is expected to bring together global and regional health stakeholders.
The Principal Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating policy reforms to support innovation, strengthen health systems and improve efficiency in service delivery. She further emphasised preventive and promotive healthcare, expansion of digital health solutions, and the development of resilient communities as key pillars in advancing Universal Health Coverage.
The ministry
reaffirmed that ongoing reforms are central to building a responsive, modern
and sustainable public health system capable of addressing both current and
future health challenges.
