Taifa Care Advances Towards Universal Health Coverage, Says PS Mary Muthoni

Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, State Department for Public Health & Professional Standards, has provided an update on Taifa Care, Kenya’s flagship health program, highlighting its steady transition from policy planning to full-scale implementation.

She attributed the program’s progress to strong collaboration between national and county governments under the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC).

Speaking on the program’s key achievements, Muthoni said, “Taifa Care is steadily transitioning from policy to implementation, guided by strong national–county collaboration under IBEC. We are continuously working to strengthen its key pillars: digital transformation, sustainable health financing through SHA, human resources for health, and secure medical commodity supply to ensure the system delivers effectively and sustainably for all Kenyans.”

She underscored the program’s reach, noting that “with over 29 million Kenyans registered on Afya Yangu and growing uptake of the ‘Lipa SHA Pole Pole’ model, we remain focused on improving service delivery, transparency, and accountability as we progressively advance Universal Health Coverage across the country.”

Muthoni joined Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale at the 29th IBEC meeting hosted by Deputy President H.E. Kithure Kindiki in Nairobi. Reflecting on the discussions, she said, “Together with county governments, we reaffirmed our shared responsibility to enhance quality of care, streamline claims management, and ensure no Kenyan is left behind as Taifa Care evolves.”

She emphasized that the program’s pillars—including digital systems, sustainable financing, skilled health workers, and secure medical supplies—are central to creating a healthcare system that is efficient, accountable, and accessible to all Kenyans.

The PS noted that the program continues to focus on strengthening service delivery and building public confidence, ensuring that every Kenyan can benefit from quality healthcare as the country moves closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage.