By Michelle Ndaga
Kenya has renewed its commitment to strengthening the health sector by placing innovation at the center of policy and financing decisions, with the goal of accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking at the inaugural committee meeting convened by Keprecon in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Duke University, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga underscored the need to move beyond pilot projects and embed innovation into the country’s health system.
Dr. Oluga outlined four key pillars to drive impact: sustainable financing, system optimization, prioritization of high-impact interventions, and catalytic investments. He emphasized that aligning financing with policy priorities is critical for ensuring long-term sustainability and equitable access to healthcare.
“Health innovation must go hand in hand with adequate financing and policy support if we are to truly achieve UHC. This requires bold decisions, regional collaboration, and a deliberate effort to scale solutions that work,” Dr. Oluga said.
The session also benefited from the guidance of Prof. Fred Were, who stressed the importance of bridging the gap between research findings and systemic adoption. He noted that while Kenya has seen a surge in health-related innovations, many remain trapped at the pilot stage due to limited investment and weak integration into national health structures.
The meeting brought together leaders from government, academia, civil society, and development partners, all of whom pledged to make health innovation a national priority. The stakeholders agreed that unlocking the right enablers such as regulatory support, coordinated financing, and stronger partnerships will be key to transforming Kenya’s healthcare landscape.
By aligning policy, financing, and advocacy with health priorities, Kenya hopes to not only strengthen service delivery but also build a resilient health system capable of addressing both current challenges and future public health threats.
