Health CS Duale vows 'cartels' crackdown at Afya House

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale speaks outside Adams Mosque, Nairobi, on March 30, 2025. PHOTO/X/Aden Duale.

Newly appointed Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has declared his readiness to tackle corruption within the ministry, commonly referred to as "Afya House."

The former Defence and Environment CS vowed to crack down on cartels that have taken control of the ministry, stating, "Those with personal interests have no space at Afya House."

“I will face the cartels head-on because I have blessings from the President,” Duale asserted.

On Sunday, Duale emphasized his determination to implement reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the healthcare sector.

The CS acknowledged the existence of deep-rooted corruption networks that have historically impeded service delivery and pledged to dismantle these 'cartels' to ensure that resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of all Kenyans.

Speaking at Adams Arcade Mosque during Eid ul-Fitr celebrations on Sunday, Duale reiterated his commitment to rooting out corruption, accusing cartels of deliberately sabotaging the government's efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

According to Duale, he has already engaged with President William Ruto regarding his mandate in his new role, with the President endorsing his decision to take decisive action to ensure the success of SHA.

“With the commitment of the President and my commitment, I want to assure Kenyans that universal healthcare is for all citizens,” the CS stated.

“For those with personal interests, they better come to their senses and decide whether they want to work for citizens or work for themselves.”

Immediately after his transfer to the health docket, Duale appointed a committee to audit the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) debts as part of his efforts to clean up the ministry.

Duale's appointment comes at a critical time when the healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, mismanagement of resources, and longstanding allegations of corruption.

Nearly six months after the rollout of SHA, the country has yet to fully embrace the new healthcare system, with the government grappling with various challenges, including public skepticism.

His commitment to addressing these issues has been met with optimism and skepticism from various stakeholders.

Healthcare professionals and civil society organizations have welcomed Duale's statements, expressing hope that his leadership will bring about much-needed reforms.

Duale has outlined a multi-faceted approach to tackling these challenges, including the establishment of an independent task force to investigate and recommend actions against corrupt practices.

He also plans to introduce stricter procurement processes and enhance accountability mechanisms to prevent the misappropriation of funds.

Beyond combating corruption, Duale has emphasized the need to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure the availability of essential medical supplies nationwide.

He has pledged to collaborate closely with county governments to address disparities in healthcare access and quality, particularly in underserved regions.

As Duale takes over the health docket, the nation watches closely, hopeful that his leadership will usher in a new era of transparency and efficiency within the Ministry of Health.

His remarks came just days after he declared that most private hospitals in residential areas would be shut down once the Social Health Authority (SHA) is fully implemented.

He noted that 60 percent of these clinics would close due to fraudulent practices linked to the now-defunct NHIF, which SHA has replaced.