Health Summit Highlights Skilled Workforce as Key to Kenya’s Health Reforms
Kenya’s push for Universal Health Coverage will depend on a skilled, responsive health workforce that can bring quality services closer to communities, national leaders said at the opening of the Kenya Health Summit 2026 in Nairobi.
President Dr William Ruto officially opened the two-day Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), bringing together more than 5,000 delegates to review progress in health reforms and discuss priorities for the next phase.
Held under the theme “Reforms Delivered: Health as a Right,” the Summit focused on health financing, primary healthcare, human resources for health, digital health and access to quality services.
President Ruto said the reforms are designed to ensure Kenyans can access affordable and quality healthcare regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki said the health system should be understood as the complete patient journey, beginning at the household before illness becomes severe. He called for stronger primary healthcare, reliable emergency response and adequate health workers at all levels of care.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Hon. Musalia Mudavadi said progress in implementing the reforms was becoming increasingly visible.
“This is not a story of fiction, but is now a matter of fact,” he said.
National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula highlighted Parliament’s role in supporting the health agenda through legislation, resource allocation and oversight.
World Health Organisation Representative to Kenya Dr. Neema Kimambo reaffirmed the importance of partnerships in strengthening health systems and sustaining progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni called for continued investment in health workers’ skills as the sector evolves. She said reskilling and specialised training would help professionals respond to emerging needs and improve productivity.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga emphasised leadership, coordination and accountability in translating reforms into better services for patients.
The emphasis on human resources for health places training institutions such as the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) at the centre of Kenya’s reform agenda.
The Summit concluded with the adoption of a Joint UHC Acceleration Plan and Communiqué outlining commitments for the next phase of health reforms.
KMTC continues to prepare health professionals for primary healthcare, specialised services, emerging technologies and changing community health needs.
The Summit, held on August 18–19, brought together national and county governments, health institutions, development partners, professional bodies, the private sector and communities to help shape the next phase of Kenya’s health reforms.
…Ends
