The Council of Governors (CoG) has raised concerns over feeling sidelined in the development of four crucial Bills meant to advance the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. During a meeting with Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and other top officials from the Ministry of Health on Thursday, the Governors emphasized the need for greater collaboration and inclusion of counties in the early stages of preparing these Bills to prevent potential conflicts, as the responsibility for implementing the legislation will fall upon the devolved units once they are passed at the national level.
The four Bills in question are considered instrumental in driving the UHC program forward, with the aim of ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans. The CoG expressed their commitment to fully supporting the UHC agenda but stressed the importance of being actively involved in the drafting and decision-making processes to guarantee the effectiveness and practicality of the legislation at the county level.
Governors representing various counties conveyed their concerns that the current lack of involvement in the early stages of Bill preparation may lead to discrepancies and challenges during the implementation phase. They argued that since the healthcare system is primarily managed at the county level, it is essential for counties to play a more significant role in shaping the Bills to align with the realities of their respective regions.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha acknowledged the concerns raised by the Governors and assured them of the ministry's commitment to work closely with the CoG to address these issues. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and county governments to ensure a smooth and coordinated implementation of the UHC agenda.
The Ministry of Health expressed its willingness to involve the CoG in the subsequent stages of Bill preparation and pledged to establish a framework that encourages active participation from all relevant stakeholders, including the counties. By fostering dialogue and consulting with key actors across the country, the ministry aims to develop comprehensive legislation that takes into account the unique needs and challenges faced by different regions.
The successful implementation of UHC requires a harmonized approach between the national and county governments. It is vital that all parties work together to strengthen the health sector and ensure equitable access to healthcare services nationwide. The inclusion of counties in the initial stages of Bill development will help foster a sense of ownership and enable the creation of legislation that reflects the diverse healthcare realities across Kenya.
As discussions continue between the Council of Governors and the Ministry of Health, it is anticipated that their collaborative efforts will result in Bills that are more inclusive and aligned with the needs of the counties. The ultimate aim is to establish a robust and sustainable Universal Health Coverage framework that improves the overall health and well-being of all Kenyans.
