Kenya, August 19, 2026 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its support for Kenya’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as the country moves to accelerate health sector reforms.
In a statement released on Wednesday after the two-day Kenya Health Summit 2026 concluded, the UN agency said that it is specifically supporting UHC through the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy for Kenya 2024-2030.
On local manufacturing, WHO said that it is also supporting implementation of the Kenya Health Products and Technologies Local Manufacturing Strategy 2026-2030, launched on 23 June, including through a WHO Global Benchmarking Tool Maturity Level 3 mission to strengthen Kenya’s medicines regulator, scheduled for early September.
Speaking during the summit, WHO Representative to Kenya Neema Kimambo said that the organisation will also continue giving the country technical support so as to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
“Kenya’s health reforms are a model of what sustained political leadership can achieve. WHO remains committed to standing alongside the Ministry of Health as a technical partner in strengthening the health system for every Kenyan,” Kimambo said.
The WHO joined more than 5,000 delegates, including representatives of the national and county governments, Parliament, development partners, the private sector, civil society and communities, at the Kenya Health Summit 2026 held in Nairobi.
The summit was convened by the Ministry of Health at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from August 18 to 19, and was held under the theme ‘Reforms Delivered, Health as a Right.’
It was graced by senior government officials including President William Ruto, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, among others.
Speaking during the official opening of the summit, Ruto maintained that the UHC agenda is anchored on four laws he signed in October 2023 covering social health insurance, primary healthcare, digital health and facility improvement financing.
The summit concluded with the adoption of a Joint UHC Acceleration Plan and a Summit Communiqué, outlining commitments by the national and county governments, development partners and the private sector to address remaining gaps in healthcare coverage.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations system in Kenya, UN Resident Coordinator Gary Connell said the success of the reforms will be measured by whether they will have a positive impact for Kenyans.
“A right written is a promise. A right delivered is a country keeping its word. The United Nations stands ready to align its collective offer behind Kenya’s institutions, not to substitute for them, but to strengthen their ability to deliver for every Kenyan,” Garry said.
