CS Duale Launches Digital Health Agency Strategic Plan
- Christabel Adhiambo
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has officially launched the first-ever Digital Health Agency Strategic Plan on Thursday, marking a milestone in Kenya’s journey toward technology-enabled health systems.
The launch took place on the sidelines of the 9th Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, where the CS Duale also reflected on one year of implementing the country’s Digital Health Transformation aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking during the event Duale highlighted initiatives that have been driving the digital health agenda over the past year.
“Taifa Care Digital Platform has integrated electronic health records, telemedicine, insurance management and facility data, improving patient experience and ensuring continuity of care,” Duale said.
“Digital health is not just about technology, it is about ensuring that every Kenyan has access to quality, equitable healthcare.”
He also noted about efforts to empower Community Health Promoters through the Smart CHP App, which allows them to register households, track maternal and child health, report illnesses and make referrals.
“By digitizing community health, we strengthen surveillance and accountability at the grassroots,” he added.
Further, Duale highlighted progress in supply chain and resource tracking, which enables real-time monitoring of medicines, vaccines and medical equipment, reducing stockouts and wastage.
On health financing, he noted that the use of digital IDs and mobile money has facilitated the enrollment of vulnerable populations into the Social Health Insurance Scheme, strengthening financial protection and reducing catastrophic health costs.
The CS also highlighted the Biometric Identification System, the first of its scale in the region, which allows instant patient verification, ensures benefits reach the rightful recipients and helps crack down on unqualified medical practitioners.
So far, the Ministry of Health has distributed 15,000 digital devices to public health facilities, with a target of 74,000 devices nationwide.
Duale concluded by calling for stronger collaboration, urging counties, partners and communities to leverage devolution as a platform to reaffirm our commitment to equity, justice and inclusion through technology-driven health reforms.
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