𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭-𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐍𝐏𝐇𝐈

Hon. Anthony Kibagendi. MP Kitutu Chache South

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health led by Chairman and Seme Member of Parliament Dr. James Nyikal paid a fact-finding visit to the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) at Afya Annex to assess the Institute's progress in strengthening Kenya's public health security and emergency preparedness systems.

The visit, undertaken pursuant to Standing Order 216(5)(a), provided legislators with an opportunity to engage the KNPHI's Board and Management on the Institute's mandate, governance structure, operationalization, and strategic priorities aimed at strengthening public health security and safeguarding the nation's health..

The Acting Director General of the KNPHI, Dr. Kamene Kimenye, delivered a presentation on the Institute's mandate, highlighting its core functions, achievements, and current status as it advances preparations for full operationalisation and transition into a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA).

During this session, she briefed the Committee on the Institute’s critical role in strengthening disease surveillance and coordinating outbreak preparedness and response across the country highlighting the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) as a key framework for enhancing national capacities to detect, assess, report, and respond to public health emergencies of international concern.

The Board Chairperson, Mr. Paul Kariuki, emphasized the need for a seamless staff transition across the 13 divisions from the Ministry of Health to strengthen KNPHI's workforce capacity and enhance delivery of its mandate in public health emergency preparedness, coordinated response, and disease outbreak prevention and control across the country.

Acting Director of Public Health Intelligence, Population Health, Preparedness and Response, Dr. Kanana Kimonye, delivered a briefing on KNPHI's Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) preparedness and response, highlighting key readiness assessments, the Incident Management System, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control (IPC), case management, workforce training, logistics, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), and research initiatives.

The eleven-member Parliamentary delegation reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening the country's public health architecture pledging to champion the policy, legislative and budgetary interventions necessary to enhance KNPHI's capacity to detect, prevent and respond to public health threats, recognizing that a resilient public health system is fundamental to safeguarding lives, protecting livelihoods and advancing Kenya's national health security,significant in achievement of Universal Health Coverage agenda. 

The team underscored the importance of building strong and coordinated national and county public health systems through sustained collaboration with county governments and other public health institutions. They noted that effective disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, workforce development and timely outbreak response require adequate investment, supportive legislation and strengthened intergovernmental partnerships. 

Among the key action points from the meeting were:

● Fast-track enactment of the KNPHI Bill to provide a strong legal framework for the establishment and full operationalisation of the Institute.

● Expedite the transition of KNPHI staff to the Institute's payroll, with only a few administrative details remaining for conclusion in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

● Strengthen advocacy for increased budgetary allocation to support KNPHI's mandate in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response.

● Support the development of permanent office infrastructure to enhance institutional efficiency and coordination of public health functions.

● Enhance national Ebola preparedness and response capacity, including sustained investment in surveillance, laboratory systems, rapid response teams, case management and points of entry.

● Promote stronger collaboration between the national and county governments to reinforce an integrated and resilient public health system capable of responding to current and emerging health threats.

Their commitment reinforces Parliament's critical oversight and legislative role in ensuring KNPHI is adequately empowered to deliver on its mandate and build a healthier, safer and more resilient Kenya.

Members of the Parliamentary Committee present during the engagement included: Vice-Chairperson Patrick Munene (Chuka/Igambang'ombe), Prof. Guyo Jaldesa (Moyale), Dr. Robert Pukose (Endebess), Antoney Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Pauline Lenguris (Samburu Woman Representative), Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Cynthia Muge (Nandi Woman Representative), Mary Maingi (Mwea), and Julius Sunkuli (Kilgoris).