Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Monday officially inaugurated the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel and its Secretariat, a key step in advancing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
Established through Gazette Notice No. 5044 of April 23, 2025, the Panel is mandated to provide technical expertise to the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA). It will guide the development and periodic review of health benefits packages through Health Technology Assessment (HTA), update healthcare tariffs to promote affordability, and recommend priority interventions needed to address pressing gaps in the health system.
The Panel is chaired by esteemed public health expert Prof. Walter Jaoko and brings together leading professionals in health policy, economics, and clinical care. Its Secretariat will be based at the University of Nairobi’s College of Health Sciences, underscoring a collaborative approach involving government, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
Speaking at the inauguration, CS Duale highlighted the need for a structured, evidence-driven approach to health reform. “This Panel is central to ensuring that what we offer under UHC is aligned with national needs, is affordable for the people, and is financially sustainable,” he said. “Our goal is to deliver healthcare that leaves no one behind.”
Duale emphasized that the Panel will assess disease burden, population health trends, and service accessibility to shape responsive and inclusive health policies. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Panel’s work and urged stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the future of Kenya’s healthcare.
The inauguration was attended by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), alongside senior health officials and representatives from various sectors.
Written By Rodney Mbua
