Duale calls for focus as health agencies sign performance contracts
He outlined the key principles for success, including mutual respect, integrity, teamwork, and efficient use of resources
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has emphasised the significance of performance contracts in the public sector, explaining that they ensure institutions establish clear, measurable targets aligned with national priorities.
He underscored that this process fosters accountability and encourages a results-driven culture across Ministries, departments, and agencies.
Speaking when he presided over the signing of Performance Contracts for the Financial Year 2024/2025 with Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) and regulatory bodies under the ministry, Duale said: “We are at a critical juncture in the health sector. The expectations from His Excellency the President and the people of Kenya are high, particularly as we implement the Social Health Insurance (SHI) schemes under TaifaCare.”
He urged the agencies to meet these expectations and avoid mistakes.
This year’s contracts place a particular focus on the rollout of SHI and other flagship programmes critical to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Duale further emphasised the urgency of these initiatives in improving healthcare delivery nationwide and called on all SAGAs under the ministry to uphold integrity at all levels, pledging to fight corruption within the sector.
The signing ceremony marks a significant step following previous contracts signed by the President, Cabinet Secretaries, and the former Health Cabinet Secretary, along with the two Principal Secretaries. Although there were delays due to the validation and vetting processes, many institutions have already begun implementing the performance contracts, demonstrating their commitment to the initiative.
The CS urged institutional heads to cascade performance targets to all levels within their organisations and stressed the importance of evaluating staff based on these targets to improve overall service delivery. He outlined the key principles for success, including mutual respect, integrity, teamwork, and efficient use of resources.
Acknowledging challenges such as resource constraints and the recent United States Government’s Stop Work Order, Duale called for innovation and efficient use of resources. He also stressed the need to support the ministry’s Planning Department to ensure accurate and timely performance reporting.
The CS reiterated the pivotal role of each agency in executing the national Health Agenda, a central component of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He urged all stakeholders to remain focused and committed to achieving the health sector’s goals.
Duale was joined by Principal Secretaries Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards) and Harry Kimtai (Medical Services), along with Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth.
