Mombasa: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public health security through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, as the country faces a rise in zoonotic diseases; illnesses transmitted from animals to humans.
According to Kenya News Agency, Medical Services PS, Dr. Ouma Oluga, speaking during the inaugural Kenya Health Security Convention 2026 in Mombasa, emphasized that Kenya is building on an already solid legal and institutional foundation, anchored by the operationalisation of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI). Dr. Oluga noted that several legislative frameworks, including the Social Health Insurance Act, the Primary Healthcare Act, the Public Health Act, and the Digital Health Act, support health security, providing a framework for strengthening emergency preparedness and response.
Dr. Oluga highlighted the importance of a strong financing outlook and a comprehensive legal framework that supports the operationalisation of KNPHI, which plays a central role in coordinating health emergency responses. He stressed that responding to health emergencies is a shared national responsibility, with the KNPHI board comprising representatives from key ministries such as Defence, Interior and National Administration, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, and Agriculture and Livestock Development. This multi-sectoral representation integrates health security with national security.
Dr. Oluga also underscored progress in strengthening domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, revealing that Kenya BioVax is at an advanced stage of producing its first vial, reducing reliance on imports and improving access to essential medical commodities. He challenged the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to streamline supply chain systems for timely delivery of medical products across the country.
KNPHI Acting Director General Dr. Kamene Kimenye noted that emerging health threats are increasingly driven by zoonotic diseases, accounting for approximately 70 percent of new infections globally. She highlighted efforts to strengthen surveillance systems, raise public awareness on risks posed by sick animals, and encourage timely veterinary care.
In addition to zoonotic diseases, the institute is addressing antimicrobial resistance, a growing global health threat requiring urgent attention. KNPHI Board Chairman Paul Kariuki acknowledged that fragmented responses and limited resource mobilization have historically undermined effective health emergency management. However, the institute is now consolidating efforts for a unified and coordinated approach.
Kariuki mentioned that the institute is rolling out the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training (FELT) programme to strengthen early detection and reporting of health threats across counties, ensuring trained field epidemiologists are capable of detecting, reporting, and responding to public health threats promptly.
The convention also saw the participation of international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), which reaffirmed its support for Kenya’s health security agenda. WHO Acting Representative to Kenya Dr. Neema Kimambo highlighted the collaboration with KNPHI to enhance disease surveillance and detection capacities.
Dr. Kimambo stressed the importance of sustainable financing for health emergency preparedness and response, urging governments to establish dedicated budget lines for quick access during crises. She emphasized that strong policies and strategies must be backed by adequate funding to ensure timely response to emergencies.
