The government is making key progress towards attaining the Universal Health Coverage, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has said.
The CS said already 100,000 community health promoters have been enlisted while 60,000 kits and a similar number of gadgets have been acquired to help the promoters in carrying out their work.
The gadgets, she said, have been manufactured and assembled locally.
At the same time, the CS said an assessment is ongoing in various counties to determine the gaps in resources and infrastructure in the process of rolling out the UHC.
"Primary health care is the bedrock of UHC," said the CS during a consultative forum between Ministry of Health and Council of Governors on the ongoing reforms in the sector.
The CS called for a closer cooperation between the national government and the counties to deliver quality and affordable health to all Kenyans.
"The national government is engaged in formulation of policies and guidelines and in conducting training, while devolved units are the implementers," she said.
The CoG health committee chairman Muthomi Njuki, who is Tharaka-Nithi governor, said there is need for a broader consultation between the two levels of government in the formulation of laws to avoid a clash particularly on legislation touching on devolved functions.
Nyandarua Governor Moses Badilisha echoed Njuki's sentiments stating that the government is making notable progress in efforts to transform healthcare.
"The national government and the counties need to work together to iron out outstanding issues,"Badilisha said.
The forum was attended by COG chairperson and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Wilber Ottichilo of Vihiga, Kwale's Fatuma Achani, Busia's Paul Otuoma and Kericho's Erick Mutai.
The Ministry of Health is currently conducting stakeholder engagement on four health bills approved by the Cabinet during a meeting held at Kakamega State Lodge.
The four bills seek to underpin the provision of primary health care which is a key driver of UHC.
The proposed laws under consideration are Primary Health Care Bill, Social Health Insurance Bill, Digital Health Bill and Facility Improvement Financing Bill.
If passed, the bills will establish three funds, namely Primary Health Care Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund and Emergency, chronic, Critical Illness Fund.
The Health CS also took the opportunity to update the attendants on the progress being made in preparations for Mashujaa Week themed Universal Health Coverage.
The events will be held in Kericho from October 13, culminating in the Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20.
A series of events related to UHC, including exhibitions on health innovation and locally manufactured medical products, have been lined for the fete.
President William Ruto is expected to flag off the 100,000 community health promoters at the event.
