The government has unveiled the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025, a transformative legislative proposal designed to strengthen Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and elevate healthcare standards across the country.
Speaking during a high-level stakeholders’ forum, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described the Bill as a cornerstone of broader reforms under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He emphasized that it aligns with the five core pillars of UHC already in motion: publicly financed primary healthcare, integration of ICT and telemedicine, protection of health funds, establishment of an Emergency Medical Treatment Fund, and the rollout of Social Health Insurance for all Kenyans.
“This Bill marks a significant milestone in transforming our health sector,” said Duale. “It accelerates our progress toward Vision 2030, reinforces BETA priorities, and positions Kenya as a regional benchmark in quality healthcare.”
A notable feature of the Bill is the proposal to establish a unified Healthcare Tribunal to adjudicate disputes involving patients, healthcare professionals, and service providers. The tribunal is expected to enhance access to justice, improve accountability, and ensure emerging health services—including medical aesthetic procedures, are held to the same safety and quality standards as conventional care.
The Bill also aims to bolster public confidence in the healthcare system by enforcing stricter quality controls and promoting patient safety as a foundational principle.
Duale called on stakeholders to critically review the proposed legislation and collaborate on refining it to ensure it responds to the evolving healthcare landscape. “Restoring public trust requires collective effort. This Bill must reflect the voices and needs of both patients and providers,” he urged.
If enacted, the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill will be a key instrument in achieving equitable, efficient, and accountable healthcare for all Kenyans.
Written By Rodney Mbua
