The Council of Governors will host forums across the country to help counties operationalise hubs to drive the Universal Health Coverage campaign.
Counties have set up 195 primary healthcare networks but are struggling to make them operational due to limited resources, inadequate funding and digital difficulties.
PCN hubs refer to a system where several dispensaries and health centres are linked to one level 4 hospital. Kenyans are expected to register as members of one PCN from which they can access outpatient services through the Social Health Authority.
Governor Muthomi Njuki, chairperson of the Council of Governors health committee, said PCNs should ideally streamline referrals and ensure coordinated care.
“The council acknowledges that lack of adequate resources has hindered these systems from achieving their full potential,” he said.
Njuki also announced a series of peer-to-peer learning forums among counties. He said the new initiative will encourage counties to share effective practices and overcome challenges.
“Primary Health Care Networks are the foundation of our universal healthcare efforts. We are committed to working with county governments to achieve sustainable healthcare outcomes for all Kenyans,” Njuki said.
“Counties continue to face barriers in ensuring PCNs are fully functional and can meet the needs of their communities.”
He said for counties to realise full benefits of these networks, they need sufficient funds and digital resources.
“It’s not just about setting up these networks; it’s about making sure they can function effectively and consistently,” Njuki said.
The governor said the learning forums will bring together representatives from different counties and regions and key healtcare partners.
The first of these forums will be held for the Lake Region Economic Bloc, which includes 14 counties namely, Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, Vihiga, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia and Kericho.
“These forums are a platform for counties to come together, learn from one another and develop strategies that enhance Primary Health Care implementation,” he said.
The sessions will enable counties to share insights, learn about best practices in PCN management and devise solutions that can be adapted regionally to improve health service delivery. Njuki said the forums will focus on three core objectives.
First, counties will exchange updates on their current progress and challenges in setting up and maintaining PCNs.
“Counties will have the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, allowing them to adapt successful strategies to their unique contexts,” he said.
Secondly, the forums will promote innovations and best practices. COG hopes counties will showcase successful interventions, particularly those involving digital integration and resource optimisation.
“Through these exchanges, we aim to harness innovations that have proven effective and can be replicated across different regions.”
The third focus area will be sustainability. With limited resources, long-term viability of PCNs remains a top concern. Discussions will also explore ways to secure funding and integrate digital tools that can improve healthcare delivery efficiency.
CoG remains optimistic about the outcomes of these forums, Muthomi said. “We’re moving closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage, one step at a time,” he said.
Kenya is aiming at a total of 315 PCNs, according to the Ministry of Health.
“The establishment of these networks has been a vital component
of our healthcare strategy, aimed at
improving the delivery of primary
healthcare services across all counties,” said PS Mary Muthoni.
