Nairobi: The government inaugurated the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP) on Monday to offer expert advice on the design and review of benefit packages and tariffs under the Social Health Insurance framework. Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Adan Duale, speaking during the panel’s inauguration at Afya House, highlighted that the panel will provide recommendations through health technology assessment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, had appointed and officially gazetted the BPTAP through Gazette Notice No. 5044 of April 2025. The panel is tasked with reviewing and revising prices to ensure they are cost-effective and affordable. It aims to determine the priority health actions missing in Kenya, explore challenges arising from diseases, population health needs, and the extent of public access to services to guide policy-making.
CS Duale emphasized that involving various groups, such as the general public and healthcare providers, is crucial to ensure comprehensive representation in policymaking. The panel will also provide evidence to assist the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority in developing the benefit package.
“This panel, which will be hosted at the University of Nairobi College of Health Sciences, was selected through a very competitive process, and it’s expected to convene at least twice annually to undertake its mandate,” said CS Duale. He noted that the initiative represents a significant step in strengthening partnerships across government, academia, the private sector, and civil society, ensuring transparency, accountability, and broader stakeholder input.
The implementation of social health insurance, since its rollout on October 1st, has faced challenges. CS Duale urged the panel to address priority areas, including inadequate data on disease burden, population needs, high service costs, and the lack of price regulations for health services and products.
The Advisory Panel will be chaired by renowned public health expert Prof. Walter Jaoko from the University of Nairobi. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), alongside senior officials and representatives from the health sector.
