The Council of Governors has launched a financial procedure manual for county health spending units to enhance fiscal prudence and accountability within the health sector.
Speaking at Movenpick Hotel at the launch, Principal Secretary (PS) Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni said Kenyans have a fundamental right to attain the highest standard of health, including access to reproductive health care services and emergency medical treatment.
However, the demand for quality and affordable healthcare services in Kenya has steadily risen over the years. Unfortunately, this demand has not been met with adequate financing to address all healthcare needs
The PS highlighted that counties are at the heart of delivering quality healthcare services to Kenyans as the Constitution of Kenya places the management of primary and secondary healthcare firmly in the hands of County Governments.
“This role is supported by laws like the Facilities Improvement Financing (FIF) Act, which ensures health facilities have financial independence, and the Social Health Insurance Act, which establishes funding mechanisms to support these facilities,” she added.
“The implementation of the FIF manual marks a significant milestone in ensuring that counties can mobilise and increase domestic resources for health as it will catalyse improvements in the quality of care, enhancing the competitiveness and performance of public health facilities and to achieve this, counties must commit to equipping health facility managers with the necessary training to build their skills and capacity for effective management of FIF funds,” she added.
She encouraged the need to train County Health Management Teams (CHMTs), Community Health Assistants (CHAs), and Community Health Promoters (CHPs) on the new framework through fast-tracking the registration of Kenyans under the new health scheme and implementing SHI Act regulations are also high on the agenda.
“It is the responsibility and commitment of the MOH to work with all stakeholders to ensure that every Kenyan enjoys quality, affordable and accessible healthcare. We commit to providing strategic leadership and governance oversight towards the realisation of Universal Health Coverage and health sector objectives for Kenya,” she said.
According to the Chairperson, Council of Governors, Governor Wajir County, Ahmed Abdullahi, the ongoing UHC reforms have drastically refined how health is to be provided and introduced radical changes.
He said that the manual and subsequent trainings will strengthen the county health spending units by enhancing their leaders’ leadership skills and accelerate positive governance in those facilities.
“A lot has changed under UHC reforms, including making hospitals independent spending units. This shift requires facilities to improve their resource management and accountability. Counties have already made strides, with 43 out of 47 now allowing facilities to retain the money they generate, reinvesting it back into services,” he added.
The transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) has already shown promise because over 5,300 public health facilities are now registered, licensed and operating under SHA and counties have facilitated the registration of 14.8 million members, granting them access to tax-funded healthcare at Level 2 and 3 facilities.
“Counties are committed to making UHC a success and ensuring that every Kenyan has access to quality healthcare and stakeholders must work together to roll out the manual and adopt its practices across all 47 counties,” noted the CoG boss.
By Patience Mabonga
