Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has underscored the need for enhanced leadership and accountability in Kenya’s national referral hospitals, emphasizing that institutions such as Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) must uphold the highest standards of governance to deliver quality healthcare.
Speaking during an official visit to KNH, CS Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the hospital’s operations and addressing service delivery challenges that have come under recent public and media scrutiny.
“National referral hospitals must reflect excellence in both clinical care and institutional governance,” the CS said. “KNH has historically been a pillar of specialized care in the country, and it must continue leading from the front.”
Duale commended the hospital for its remarkable medical milestones, including Kenya’s first laparoscopic kidney resection and intrauterine fetal transfusion, as well as the groundbreaking performance of the world’s first transhumeral total shoulder replacement surgery. He noted that such achievements position Kenya as a global player in medical innovation and reaffirm the country’s commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the new Social Health Insurance (SHI) scheme.
Accompanied by senior health officials, the CS toured critical departments at KNH, including the cancer treatment center, radiotherapy bunker, and the site of a government-funded oxygen-generating plant currently under construction. He urged county governments to strengthen their referral and primary healthcare systems to reduce patient overload at national facilities.
“Referral hospitals should not be overwhelmed with primary care cases,” he said. “We must empower counties to deliver effective health services at all levels.”
Duale also called on development partners to invest in KNH’s modernization efforts, particularly in upgrading medical equipment, digitizing operations, and enhancing training and research.
“KNH is not just a hospital—it’s a national health innovation hub. We need strong partnerships to support its continued evolution,” he said.
The visit was hosted by KNH Board Chair Dr. Samier Muravvej and Acting CEO Dr. William Sigilai. Also in attendance were Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Okunga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Acting CEO of the Kenya Digital Health Agency Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Health.
Duale concluded his remarks by reiterating the government’s resolve to build a resilient, equitable health system, anchored on transparency, innovation, and patient-centered care.
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