By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 12 June 2026 - Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has held talks with a United States delegation to review progress under the Kenya–United States health partnership framework, with both sides expressing confidence that key programmes will be ready for implementation by July 1, 2026.
The meeting, chaired by Mr Duale and attended by a US delegation led by Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns, assessed milestones achieved since consultations held in May and explored ways of strengthening cooperation in the health sector.
According to the Cabinet Secretary the discussions focused on the portfolio review process, development of a county transition roadmap, progress on the Strategic Objective Grant Agreement, and preparations for staffing the Programme Management Unit (PMU).
The Cabinet Secretary said the engagement forms part of a structured oversight mechanism established to monitor implementation and ensure agreed actions are delivered on time.
“We reviewed progress made across key priority areas, including the portfolio review process, development of the county transition roadmap, advancement of the Strategic Objective Grant Agreement and preparations for staffing the Programme Management Unit,” Mr Duale said.
He noted that the implementation plan has already been submitted for joint review, while a comprehensive risk assessment exercise is scheduled to begin next week to strengthen implementation readiness and address potential operational challenges.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Kenya’s health priorities through investments in primary healthcare, disease prevention and control, maternal and child health services, health security and broader health systems strengthening.
“We expressed confidence in meeting the targeted implementation date of 1st July 2026 and reiterated our commitment to ensuring all outstanding processes are concluded on schedule,” Mr Duale said.
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A key area of discussion was preparedness against Ebola and other public health emergencies. The ministry said additional support will be directed towards expanding isolation and treatment capacity, strengthening laboratory systems, maintaining adequate stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE), and enhancing healthcare worker training.
The meeting comes as Kenya continues to strengthen its disease surveillance and emergency response systems amid growing concerns over emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases across the region.
Aden emphasised the government's commitment to building a sustainable healthcare system capable of delivering quality services to all citizens.
“We remain committed to building a responsive and sustainable healthcare system aligned with national priorities and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), while leveraging strategic partnerships to deliver quality healthcare services to all citizens,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, acting Kenya National Public Health Institute chief executive Dr Kamene Kimenye and other senior ministry officials.
The United States remains one of Kenya’s largest health sector partners, supporting programmes targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, health security and healthcare workforce development.