The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Kenya’s public health systems and expanding access to quality healthcare services across the country.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said the Ministry of Health is implementing several reforms aimed at improving service delivery, especially for vulnerable populations and communities living in remote areas.
Speaking during an interview on the Ruciini Show on Inooro TV, the PS noted that the government is prioritising strategies that bring healthcare services closer to ordinary Kenyans while also promoting preventive care.
Among the key initiatives highlighted was the continued expansion of Community Health Services, a programme that plays a critical role in ensuring households can access basic healthcare support within their communities.
According to Muthoni, community health workers are increasingly becoming an essential link between health facilities and the public, helping deliver vital services such as health education, disease prevention, early diagnosis and referrals for further treatment.
She said strengthening community health programmes remains a major step toward improving overall health outcomes and reducing the burden on hospitals.
The PS also spoke about the Jamii Imara Mashinani Initiative, which she described as an important platform that enables government leaders to engage directly with citizens on development matters.
Through the initiative, leaders are able to listen to the concerns of communities, understand their priorities and ensure that government programmes respond to the real needs of wananchi at the grassroots level.
Muthoni emphasised that such engagements are important in shaping policies and strengthening public trust in government programmes.
At the same time, she called on Kenyans to take greater responsibility for their own health by embracing healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare practices.
The PS encouraged members of the public to maintain balanced diets, avoid drug and substance abuse and refrain from self-prescribing medicines without guidance from qualified medical professionals.
She also stressed the importance of early health checks and preventive care in reducing the risk of serious illnesses.
Muthoni further urged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from affordable and quality healthcare services under the country’s ongoing Universal Health Coverage reforms.
She said the registration process is crucial in ensuring more citizens can access medical services without facing heavy financial burdens when seeking treatment.
The interview forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health to increase public awareness about health sector reforms and encourage Kenyans to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Through these initiatives, the government hopes to build a stronger healthcare system that is accessible, responsive and capable of meeting the needs of all citizens.
