By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, May 06, 2026 - Kenya is set to play a bigger role in shaping Africa’s health policies after Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni was elected chairperson of the African Permanent and Principal Secretaries for Health.
Her election during a high-level health security meeting in Brazzaville places Kenya at the centre of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare systems across the continent.
The meeting brought together senior health officials from different African countries to discuss cross-border disease control, health security and stronger regional cooperation.
Muthoni described her election as a shared responsibility for African nations working towards stronger and more independent healthcare systems.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me, which reflects our shared commitment as African nations to strengthen cooperation across health sectors, enhance coordinated responses to cross-border health threats, and build resilient, future-ready health systems,” she said.
Her new role comes at a time when African countries are increasingly looking inward to improve healthcare after years of depending heavily on donor funding and imported medical supplies.
The Covid-19 pandemic exposed major weaknesses in health systems across the continent, pushing governments to invest more in local solutions.
Many African countries are now expanding vaccine production, strengthening disease surveillance systems and investing in digital healthcare services.
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Kenya has been among countries rolling out reforms aimed at improving access to healthcare, including the expansion of primary healthcare services and community health programmes.
According to Muthoni, Kenya stands to benefit significantly from the continental leadership position.
“The position presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen regional collaboration, enhance coordination in disease surveillance and response, and tap into shared expertise, innovation and best practices,” she said.
She added that the role would also help Kenya influence continental health priorities and partnerships while supporting progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
Health experts say the appointment reflects Kenya’s growing influence in regional health diplomacy as Africa works towards building more resilient and self-sustaining health systems.
Across the continent, governments are increasing health budgets, promoting local production of medicines and diagnostics, and introducing new funding models to reduce dependence on foreign aid.
Regional bodies such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention are also taking a more active role in coordinating outbreak response and strengthening public health systems.