The government has emphasized its commitment to strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC), enhancing preventive and promotive healthcare, and building a resilient system that supports a healthier population and stimulates socio-economic growth.
Speaking during the official launch of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that 13 vital divisions and programs such as Disease Surveillance, Zoonotic Disease Management, Emergency Operations, Health Informatics, and the National Public Health Laboratories have transitioned to KNPHI.
“This marks a significant and historic transformation in how we coordinate public health in our country.” Said CS Duale.
According to the CS, KNPHI was founded to strengthen Kenya’s leadership and coordination in public health security and emergency response.
“It provides us with a unified platform to prioritize public health needs, mobilize resources efficiently, build laboratory and workforce capacity, and generate research that will guide our national policies.” He said.
In his address, the CS underscored the importance of National Public Health Institutes noting that they serve as centralized hubs that bring together surveillance, emergency response, health research, and policy coordination under one roof.
“They eliminate duplication of efforts, align national policies with international standards such as the WHO’s International Health Regulations, and ensure that public health threats are managed quickly, effectively, and comprehensively.” He remarked.
At the same time, the CS urged the Public Service Commission to fast-track the approval of human resource frameworks for KNPHI and called on all ministries, agencies, counties, and non-state actors to align with the institute’s leadership and support its mission.
“To complete the transition and ensure full operational capacity, I urge the Public Service Commission to fast-track the approval of human resource instruments for KNPHI.” He said, “Furthermore, I call upon all ministries, departments, agencies, county governments, and non-state stakeholders to rally behind KNPHI’s leadership. Our collective action must support this important institution through the office of its Director General.”
Speaking at the same forum, the Chairperson, Parliamentary Health Committee, Dr. James Nyikal reaffirmed Parliament’s support in providing a solid legal foundation for KNPHI’s long-term sustainability.
“We are committed to anchoring the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) in law to ensure it delivers lasting impact. KNPHI will strengthen disease prevention, unify efforts across the social determinants of health, and become a cornerstone for sustainable health financing.” He noted.
Adding that: “This launch marks the beginning of a new era for primary health care in Kenya.”
WHO support
On his part, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative for Kenya, Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo reaffirmed its strong commitment to support Kenya in building a resilient and world-class National Public Health Institute (NPHI).
“We will continue offering technical guidance, sharing global best practices, and supporting Kenya to shape a world-class public health institute one that sets a regional and global benchmark.”
Diallo stressed the importance of National public health institutes noting that they are the beating heart of any country’s health system.
“They serve as the nerve centre for disease surveillance, epidemic response, health research, and policy guidance.” Diallo noted.
The launch comes in the wake of multiple global health crises from Ebola to COVID-19 that have underscored the importance of robust national health systems. Dr. Diallo emphasized that the strength of any country’s emergency response depends on the strength of its public health institutions.
“We have seen, through painful experiences, how global health threats from Ebola to COVID-19 to cholera can rapidly emerge and challenge the resilience of our health systems.” He said.
He stressed that establishing the NPHI is only the beginning, and called for continued investment in systems, governance, and human capital. “It is not enough to respond well we must start well. And that means building strong systems, reliable surveillance networks, and above all, investing in skilled health professionals,” he said.
Established by Legal Notice No. 14 on January 18, 2022, KNPHI is expected to serve as a flagship public health institution for Kenya and the region with support from international partners such as the World Bank, Africa CDC, Amref Health Africa, and IANPHI, the institute is poised to play a pivotal role in public health research, emergency response, and policy development.
