Kenya is advancing efforts to scale health innovations by establishing stronger policy, financing, and advocacy frameworks, with national leaders emphasizing the need for coordinated action to transform the health sector. At the inaugural committee meeting convened by Keprecon in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Duke University, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga highlighted four core priorities: sustainable health financing, system optimization, high-impact interventions, and catalytic investments to move innovations beyond pilot phases. Dr. Oluga underscored that aligning financing with policy objectives is critical to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring that innovations translate into measurable improvements at the community level.
Guiding the committee’s vision, Prof. Fred Were stressed the importance of bridging the gap between research-driven solutions and systemic adoption. He emphasized that while Kenya produces numerous innovative health solutions, the challenge lies in integrating these innovations into national health systems so they can address pressing health priorities effectively. The forum convened leaders from government, academia, civil society, and development partners, creating a collaborative environment to identify strategies for scaling impactful health innovations and ensuring their long-term sustainability.
The committee concluded with a strong commitment to champion health innovation as a national priority. Participants pledged to unlock the policy, financial, and systemic enablers needed to support the adoption and sustainability of transformative health solutions. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and aligning innovation with national health priorities, Kenya is positioning itself to build a sustainable, efficient, and innovation-driven health system. This initiative ensures that new technologies and evidence-based interventions are not only developed but also effectively implemented, improving healthcare delivery, expanding access, and enhancing outcomes across the country. Kenya’s focus on innovation, policy alignment, and strategic investment marks a decisive step toward a future where technology and research drive meaningful improvements in public health.