Duale launches preparations for Presidential National Health summit 2026

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale addressing stakeholders during the inaugural Planning Committee meeting for the Presidential National Health Summit 2026 at The Boma Hotel. Aden Duale/X

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has officially launched preparations for the Presidential National Health Summit 2026, describing the event as a key milestone in reviewing Kenya’s health sector reforms and shaping the country’s next steps towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

In a statement shared on his official X account after chairing the inaugural Planning Committee meeting, Duale said the summit will bring together stakeholders from across the health sector to evaluate the country’s health transformation journey and develop the next phase of reforms.

“Chaired the inaugural Planning Committee meeting for the Presidential National Health Summit 2026, officially launching preparations for a landmark event that will bring together stakeholders from across the health sector to review our health transformation journey and chart the next phase of reforms towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” Duale said.

He said the summit will provide an opportunity to showcase the progress made over the past three and a half years.

Duale said discussions will focus on key areas including healthcare financing, primary healthcare, digital health, legislation, regulation and institutional reforms.

“The Summit will showcase the progress made over the past three and a half years under the leadership of HE President William Ruto, highlighting key achievements in healthcare financing, primary healthcare, digital health, legislation, regulation and institutional reforms,” he said.

Beyond highlighting achievements, Duale said the meeting will also examine the challenges that remain in Kenya’s health sector.

“It will also provide an opportunity to assess remaining gaps, share lessons and develop practical actions to accelerate the delivery of quality, affordable and accessible healthcare for all Kenyans,” he stated.

During the inaugural planning meeting, the CS urged officials involved in organising the summit to ensure close coordination and accountability throughout the preparation process.

He stressed that the event should produce measurable outcomes capable of driving further reforms.

“I emphasised the importance of coordinated planning, accountability and collaboration in ensuring a successful Summit and called on all teams to demonstrate clear evidence of impact, measurable outcomes and actionable recommendations,” Duale said.

He also expressed appreciation to Kenya’s development and implementing partners for their continued support of the health sector.

“I also thanked our development and implementing partners for their continued support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing health sector reforms and realising UHC for all,” Duale said.

The planning committee meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services , Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Director-General for Health, heads of directorates, divisions and units, technical and administrative teams, as well as chief executive officers of the Ministry of Health’s state corporations, regulatory bodies and agencies.

The Presidential National Health Summit 2026 is expected to serve as a national platform for evaluating the government’s healthcare reforms, identifying remaining gaps and developing practical recommendations to accelerate the delivery of quality, affordable and accessible healthcare for all Kenyans as the country continues pursuing Universal Health Coverage.