Nairobi: Health Cabinet Secretary (CS), Aden Duale, has called for continued collaboration between the National and County governments in efforts to deliver quality health services to the Kenyan people. Speaking during the official opening of the 2026 Devolution Sensitization Week in Garissa, Duale, who was the chief guest, said that through bringing the government closer to the people and expanding access to essential services, the country had demonstrated that devolution works.
According to Kenya News Agency, Duale reiterated that his Ministry under the National government was committed to maintaining a harmonious, respectful, and consultative relationship with all county governments in the spirit of the principles of cooperative government as envisioned in the Constitution. Duale assured the counties of mutual dialogues characterized by respect, shared accountability, and collective responsibility, noting that the national government would not ‘supervise’ the counties but support, strengthen, and work with them as equal constitutional partners.
Duale highlighted the complementary responsibilities assigned by the Constitution to the two levels of government. Counties are tasked with delivering healthcare services, while the National Government provides policy direction, legislation, regulation, standards, strategic financing, health security, specialized referral services, and technical leadership. Duale emphasized that these responsibilities are complementary and not competing, and cooperation between the two is essential for the success of healthcare initiatives in Kenya.
The CS called on the counties to intensify efforts in reducing the maternal and newborn mortality rate, expressing concern over the high rates. He mentioned that the Ministry is enhancing the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) programme to ensure every maternal and newborn death is reviewed, with lessons learned translated into improved healthcare services. Duale stressed the impact of preventable deaths, particularly in ASAL and underserved counties, and the importance of building an integrated, equitable, and sustainable health system through various government health reforms.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the Council of Governors, Ahmed Abdullahi, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi affirmed county governments’ commitment to working closely with the National government and other stakeholders to deepen devolution. Abdullahi noted that the 2026 Devolution Sensitization Week presents an opportunity to bring devolution closer to the people while strengthening collaboration aimed at improving healthcare delivery.
Abdullahi emphasized that devolution enhances service responsiveness and community involvement in decision-making, without diminishing the importance of partnerships with the national government, development partners, civil society, and the private sector. He urged Kenyans to use the week to celebrate the gains made under devolution while reflecting on areas that require greater collaboration, innovation, and accountability for improved healthcare and stronger local economies.
