Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched preparations for the Presidential National Health Summit 2026, setting the stage for a national review of Kenya’s health reforms as the government pushes ahead with its universal healthcare agenda.
Speaking after chairing the inaugural Planning Committee meeting at The Boma Hotel in Nairobi, Duale said the summit would bring together government officials, health professionals, development partners and other stakeholders to examine the country’s progress and agree on priorities for the years ahead.
The meeting, he said, marks the beginning of preparations for what he described as a key national forum on healthcare.
“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 in a statement shared on his official X account.
According to the Health CS, the summit will highlight achievements made during the past three and a half years under President William Ruto’s administration. Discussions are expected to focus on healthcare financing, primary healthcare, digital health, legislation, regulation and institutional reforms.
At the same time, the summit will assess areas where progress has been slower and identify practical steps to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare.
“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,” Duale said.
He urged the planning committee to work closely throughout the preparation process, saying the event should deliver measurable outcomes rather than remain a forum for discussion alone.
“I emphasized 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,” he added.
Duale also thanked development and implementing partners for their continued support of Kenya’s health sector, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding access to universal healthcare.
The inaugural planning meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Health, including the Principal Secretaries for Medical Services and for Public Health and Professional Standards, the Director-General for Health, heads of directorates and divisions, technical teams, and chief executives from state corporations and regulatory agencies.
The Presidential National Health Summit 2026 is expected to serve as a national platform for reviewing the country’s healthcare reforms, identifying remaining challenges and setting priorities aimed at improving access to affordable, quality healthcare for all Kenyans.
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