Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has called on health stakeholders to take decisive action in integrating health service delivery and strengthening domestic healthcare financing to build a resilient and self-sustaining health system.
Speaking at the ongoing 11th Health Integration Summit 2026 in Mombasa, Dr Oluga said the case for integrated health services is already well established, urging stakeholders to move beyond discussions and address barriers slowing progress.
“We have heard the data, the case studies, and from all stakeholders. The evidence for integration is not in question,” he said, calling on participants to leave the summit with clear, time-bound actions to accelerate implementation.
About UzalendoThe Principal Secretary cautioned that declining donor support underscores the urgent need for Kenya to strengthen domestic health financing mechanisms to sustain essential services and reduce reliance on external funding.
He emphasised that the country’s goal is to build a resilient, integrated health system capable of delivering efficient, accessible and continuous care to all Kenyans.
Dr Oluga reassured the public that essential health services remain uninterrupted, including maternal care, immunisation and treatment for chronic conditions.
He noted that integration goes beyond clinical care, calling for stronger linkages between services such as tuberculosis screening, maternal health services and the management of non-communicable diseases, enabling patients to receive comprehensive care during a single visit.
The PS added that integrated systems would also ease the burden on health workers by reducing duplication and improving coordination across patient records, supply chains and community referral systems.
He further urged communities and patient advocates to demand accountability in ongoing health reforms to ensure equitable access to care and the removal of barriers that prevent patients from receiving services.
The Health Integration Summit, running from 15 to 19 March 2026, is convened by the Ministry of Health through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) and has brought together stakeholders from national and county governments, civil society and development partners to strengthen collaboration and advance integrated service delivery in support of Universal Health Coverage under the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
By Anthony Solly
