By Michelle Ndaga
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has pledged to champion maternal health as a key national priority, emphasizing a comprehensive, life-course approach to women’s health that spans adolescence, pregnancy, and motherhood.
Speaking on Sunday, October 12, 2025, during the launch of Rumuruti Mission Hospital (RMH) in Laikipia County, Duale said the government aims to develop a framework that empowers women leaders to design actionable strategies for preventive and promotive healthcare services that enhance women’s wellbeing.
“We must view maternal health not as an isolated event but as part of a woman’s lifelong journey of wellbeing — from adolescence to motherhood and beyond,” said Duale.
The event marked the conclusion of a week-long medical outreach by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), which provided health services to more than 2,000 residents. Built by the PCEA Health Board, RMH becomes the fourth mission hospital under the Church in the Rift Valley region, joining PCEA Kikuyu, Tumutumu, and Chogoria hospitals. The facility is expected to provide affordable, quality healthcare and serve as a hub for medical outreach in rural Laikipia.
Duale praised faith-based organizations for their vital role in Kenya’s health sector, noting that they manage nearly 30 percent of the country’s health facilities. He reaffirmed the government’s partnership with such institutions in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Taifa Care Model, part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Highlighting the reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA), Duale noted that the scheme covers maternal health, dialysis, and treatment for emergency, chronic, and critical illnesses. He assured Kenyans that the government remains committed to transparency and accountability in managing health funds, warning against fraudulent practices that could undermine the system.
The CS also confirmed that the government will fully fund SHA contributions for 1.5 million vulnerable Kenyans, while governors and Members of Parliament will support an additional one million citizens, in line with President William Ruto’s directive to achieve universal healthcare access.
Duale commended the PCEA for its continued role in promoting community health and development, announcing the Ministry’s support for RMH through the drilling of a borehole and the donation of essential medicines.
He was joined by Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano, Defence PS Dr. Patrick Mariru, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, DHA CEO Eng. Anthony Lenayara, several MPs, and PCEA Deputy Secretary General Rev. John Mbae, among other national and county leaders.
