Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has unveiled plans to deepen collaboration between the Ministry of Health and civil society organisations as part of efforts to accelerate health sector reforms and improve access to quality healthcare under the Taifa Care programme.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with the Health NGOs Network (HENNET) on Tuesday, Duale said the government would strengthen coordination with non-state actors through structured partnerships aimed at aligning development interventions with national priorities while enhancing transparency, accountability and the delivery of health services across the country.
The meeting, attended by HENNET Chairperson Lillian Otiso and senior ministry officials, explored ways of reinforcing intergovernmental collaboration and ensuring development partners contribute more effectively to Kenya's national health agenda.
Duale said the recently launched National Health Sector Coordination and Partnership Framework would serve as the government's blueprint for managing development partnerships and coordinating investments across the sector.
"The National Health Sector Coordination and Partnership Framework, which will be presented during the 2026 Kenya Health Summit, is founded on the principles of One Plan, One Budget and One Monitoring Framework, providing a unified platform for coordinating investments and measuring results in line with the Taifa Care agenda."
The Cabinet Secretary noted that achieving Universal Health Coverage required stronger partnerships among government institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector, adding that coordinated efforts would accelerate the delivery of health services across the country.
"Achieving Universal Health Coverage requires strong and well-coordinated partnerships across Government, civil society and the private sector. The ongoing transformation at Kenyatta National Hospital demonstrates how collaboration with private-sector partners continues to improve health infrastructure, expand specialised medical services and enhance access to quality care."
Duale commended HENNET for its contribution to policy advocacy, community engagement and social accountability, particularly in supporting vulnerable and underserved communities. He welcomed the network's commitment to working with government through transparent and inclusive engagement.
To strengthen the partnership, the Duale proposed establishing a joint technical working mechanism between the Ministry of Health and HENNET to create a structured governance framework for continuous engagement.
"The proposed mechanism will improve coordination, eliminate duplication of efforts and maximise the contribution of civil society organisations towards achieving national health priorities."
He also urged HENNET to support the implementation of Kenya's Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan through community mobilisation, advocacy and demand creation for quality maternal and newborn healthcare services.
In addition, the CS invited the network to partner with the ministry in intensifying public awareness on cancer prevention and control by promoting increased screening, early detection, timely diagnosis and improved access to treatment.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to institutionalise engagement between the Ministry of Health and HENNET through quarterly consultative meetings involving the HENNET Board and an Annual Health Partnership Summit aimed at strengthening coordination, promoting mutual accountability and accelerating the implementation of Kenya's health sector transformation agenda.