High-Level Engagement to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage in Kenya
On Thursday, November 6, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale convened a high-level meeting with the Board of Management of the National Quality Control Laboratory (NQCL). The purpose of this engagement was to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by ensuring the availability of quality-assured health commodities and technologies.
The meeting, chaired by Dr. John Muturi, focused on strengthening NQCL’s institutional effectiveness to support Kenya’s efforts in achieving World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) for health product regulation. This level represents a significant milestone in regulatory capacity, ensuring that Kenya meets global standards of quality, safety, and efficacy. Achieving ML3 will reinforce the country’s credibility in regulating health products and advance the UHC agenda.
Duale emphasized the critical role of NQCL in protecting public health. He highlighted that ensuring all medical products meet required standards is an essential pillar of Kenya’s Taifa Care Model. The Cabinet Secretary noted that the laboratory plays a vital role in safeguarding the health and lives of Kenyans.
During the discussions, participants reviewed persistent institutional challenges and identified strategies to enhance performance and service delivery. The CS reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to supporting NQCL in fulfilling its mandate. He emphasized the importance of good governance, strategic coordination, performance measurement, and timely decision-making. Additionally, he called for regular reviews to track progress and ensure measurable outcomes.
Reducing Turnaround Time and Rebuilding Trust
Duale stressed the need to reduce laboratory turnaround time, urging the leadership to meet the mandated 42 days. He described this as a key step in rebuilding client trust and strengthening institutional credibility. “We remain resolute in our mission to safeguard the health and lives of all Kenyans,” he affirmed.
The meeting was attended by senior Ministry of Health officials, including Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, and Director-General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth. The session provided a platform for open dialogue on institutional capacity, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance in line with international best practices.
Officials stated that attaining WHO ML3 certification will not only elevate Kenya’s regulatory framework but also enhance the reliability of health products used nationwide. Strengthening NQCL’s capabilities is expected to directly support the government’s broader UHC goals, ensuring that all Kenyans have access to safe, effective, and quality medical products.
Commitment to Health Service Delivery
The engagement signals a renewed commitment to improving health service delivery and demonstrates the Ministry’s proactive approach in aligning national health institutions with global standards. By focusing on institutional effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, Kenya aims to build a robust healthcare system that meets the needs of its population.
Key areas of focus during the meeting included:
- Enhancing institutional effectiveness through better governance and strategic coordination.
- Improving operational efficiency to meet mandated timelines and improve service delivery.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance with international best practices to maintain the quality and safety of health products.
The discussions underscored the importance of continuous improvement and the need for a collaborative approach among stakeholders to achieve the desired outcomes. With a clear roadmap and strong government support, NQCL is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in Kenya’s journey toward universal health coverage.