Duale Targets Substandard Hospitals, Pushes for Accountability in Health Sector
The Kenyan government has launched a crackdown on both public and private health facilities found violating operational standards or exploiting national health systems. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen quality assurance and accelerate the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the announcement on Thursday during a strategic meeting with the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH), held at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi.
Duale confirmed that enforcement of the bed capacity access rule under the Social Health Authority (SHA) is ongoing. The regulation is aimed at ensuring patient dignity and delivery of efficient, high-quality care.
“We are cracking down on facilities, public or private, that compromise standards or exploit the system,” Duale said. “The Ministry stands with providers committed to integrity and excellence.”
He urged all healthcare institutions to update their operational data with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to avoid disruption of services.
Duale also raised concern over fraudulent use of outpatient pre-authorization codes, warning that such practices erode public trust in the health system.
“Fraud undercuts credibility. We will not allow it,” he stated, emphasizing stricter surveillance and enforcement.
As part of the government’s reforms, Duale said discussions are underway with the Council of Governors and related ministries to streamline licensing procedures and eliminate overlapping regulations.
To expand the Taifa Care model, a central pillar of UHC, Duale called on private hospitals to maintain transparency, adopt digital solutions, and deepen community outreach programs.
In response, KAPH proposed quarterly meetings with the ministry to help guide and support the UHC agenda.
The meeting drew key figures from Kenya’s health leadership, including Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, SHA Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, DHA CEO Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara, and Presidential Health Advisor Dr. Daniel Mwai.
Top private hospital executives in attendance included Rashid Khalani of Aga Khan University Hospital, Toseef Din of M.P. Shah Hospital, George Salib of Coptic Hospital, and Dr. Aysha Edwards of AAR Hospital.
The Ministry’s renewed push for accountability marks a critical step in its ongoing efforts to overhaul healthcare delivery, with both public trust and private sector collaboration forming the foundation of its national health goals.
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