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Tag: KNPHI

  • Kenya strengthens National Health Security, launches Integrated Strategic Frameworks

    Kenya strengthens National Health Security, launches Integrated Strategic Frameworks

    Kenya has launched a suite of integrated national health security frameworks under the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), marking a major shift toward a proactive, data-driven and coordinated approach to managing public health threats.

    The launch of the KNPHI Strategic Plan (2026–2030) and the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS II) 2026–2030 establishes a unified national framework for preparedness, detection, and response anchored in resilience, real-time data use, and multi-sectoral coordination.

    Speaking at the launch, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, underscored the significance of the milestone, noting that the launch represents a major transformation in how Kenya coordinates public health and responds to emerging threats.

    He emphasized the Government’s commitment to strengthening integrated systems and leveraging innovation to safeguard population health and national resilience.

    A Shift toward proactive and integrated health security

    The Government of Kenya is repositioning its health system from a reactive model to one that anticipates and manages risks before they escalate.

    Central to this shift is the strengthening of KNPHI as the national hub for epidemic intelligence, integrating surveillance, laboratory systems, and emergency operations into a coordinated architecture This approach reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and economic stability by ensuring that health threats are detected early and managed efficiently.

    Operational frameworks to drive implementation

    To operationalize this vision, the Government has introduced a comprehensive suite of strategic and operational instruments that translate policy into coordinated action across the health system.

    These include, the Decision-Making Tool for Public Health Emergencies (DMT-PHE), supported by a user guide and training curriculum to standardize escalation and response, the Kenya Digital Public Health Surveillance Strategy, enabling integrated, real-time data systems and the KNPHI Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Framework, to track performance and strengthen accountability.

    Additionally government has introduced, the KNPHI Infodemic Management Operational Manual and Pre-Approved Risk Communication Templates, to enhance public communication and manage misinformation as well as a fact Sheets for 28 Priority Diseases, providing standardized technical guidance for prevention, detection, and response.

    Together, these instruments establish a coherent implementation architecture, strengthening coordination across national and county levels, improving decision-making timelines in line with the 7-1-7 targets, and enhancing the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats effectively.

    Driving digital transformation and epidemic intelligence

    These reforms are anchored in a strong emphasis on digital transformation and data-driven decision-making.

    Kenya is strengthening its capacity to leverage real-time data, integrated surveillance systems, and advanced analytics to improve early warning, situational awareness, and response coordination.

    This includes reinforcing linkages across human, animal, and environmental health systems through a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnected nature of emerging public health threats.

    Institutional leadership and system coordination

    KNPHI remains central to this transformation, providing a unified platform for coordinating public health functions, strengthening technical capacity, and aligning national priorities with global health security standards.

    In her remarks, the Director General of KNPHI, Dr. Kamene Kimenye, emphasized that the newly launched frameworks provide a strong foundation for operational excellence, noting that the integration of surveillance, digital systems, and decision-support tools will enable faster detection, coordinated response, and evidence-based decision-making across all levels of the health system.

    She further highlighted KNPHI’s commitment to working closely with national and county governments, as well as development partners, to ensure effective implementation and sustained impact.

    Partnerships and Strategic Support

    The successful development and launch of these strategic frameworks were made possible through strong collaboration between the Government of Kenya and its partners.

    In particular, the TDDAP2 programme funded by UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), played a critical role in supporting the development of the NAPHS II and associated operational frameworks.

    This partnership has been instrumental in advancing Kenya’s digital transformation agenda and strengthening systems for epidemic intelligence and public health decision-making.

    TDDAP2 was represented by the country team lead, Dr. Kadondi Kasera, who reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to strengthening data-driven systems, noting that investments in integrated surveillance, digital tools, and decision-support systems are critical to ensuring timely, evidence-based public health action and sustainable health security outcomes.

    A Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach

    The implementation of these frameworks reinforces a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, ensuring that preparedness and response capacities are embedded across ministries, counties, and communities. This integrated model strengthens coordination, reduces duplication, and enhances the country’s ability to respond to complex and evolving public health threats.

    As Kenya advances implementation, the focus will be on scaling integrated systems, strengthening local response capacity, and sustaining investments in health security.

    The launch of these strategic frameworks signals not only progress in policy and planning, but a clear national commitment to building a resilient, responsive, and future-ready public health system capable of protecting the population and contributing to regional and global health security.

    The event was graced by senior government leadership and partners in health security, reflecting a strong multi-sectoral commitment to the national agenda.

    Among those in attendance were the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni; the Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Eng. Festus Nge’no; and the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Allan Azegele, who represented the Principal Secretary for Livestock Development. Regional and global partners were also present, underscoring the importance of collaboration in advancing Kenya’s health security and One Health agenda.

  • Kenya launches in major boost to public health security

    Kenya launches in major boost to public health security

    The government has emphasized its commitment to strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC), enhancing preventive and promotive healthcare, and building a resilient system that supports a healthier population and stimulates socio-economic growth.

    Speaking during the official launch of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that 13 vital divisions and programs such as Disease Surveillance, Zoonotic Disease Management, Emergency Operations, Health Informatics, and the National Public Health Laboratories have transitioned to KNPHI.

    “This marks a significant and historic transformation in how we coordinate public health in our country.” Said CS Duale.

    According to the CS, KNPHI was founded to strengthen Kenya’s leadership and coordination in public health security and emergency response.

    “It provides us with a unified platform to prioritize public health needs, mobilize resources efficiently, build laboratory and workforce capacity, and generate research that will guide our national policies.” He said.

    In his address, the CS underscored the importance of National Public Health Institutes noting that they serve as centralized hubs that bring together surveillance, emergency response, health research, and policy coordination under one roof.

    “They eliminate duplication of efforts, align national policies with international standards such as the WHO’s International Health Regulations, and ensure that public health threats are managed quickly, effectively, and comprehensively.” He remarked.

    At the same time, the CS urged the Public Service Commission to fast-track the approval of human resource frameworks for KNPHI and called on all ministries, agencies, counties, and non-state actors to align with the institute’s leadership and support its mission.

    “To complete the transition and ensure full operational capacity, I urge the Public Service Commission to fast-track the approval of human resource instruments for KNPHI.” He said, “Furthermore, I call upon all ministries, departments, agencies, county governments, and non-state stakeholders to rally behind KNPHI’s leadership. Our collective action must support this important institution through the office of its Director General.”

    Chairperson, Parliamentary Health Committee, Dr. James Nyikal

    Speaking at the same forum, the Chairperson, Parliamentary Health Committee, Dr. James Nyikal reaffirmed Parliament’s support in providing a solid legal foundation for KNPHI’s long-term sustainability.

    “We are committed to anchoring the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) in law to ensure it delivers lasting impact. KNPHI will strengthen disease prevention, unify efforts across the social determinants of health, and become a cornerstone for sustainable health financing.” He noted.

    Adding that:  “This launch marks the beginning of a new era for primary health care in Kenya.”

    WHO support

    On his part, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative for Kenya, Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo reaffirmed its strong commitment to support Kenya in building a resilient and world-class National Public Health Institute (NPHI).

    “We will continue offering technical guidance, sharing global best practices, and supporting Kenya to shape a world-class public health institute one that sets a regional and global benchmark.”

    Diallo stressed the importance of National public health institutes noting that they are the beating heart of any country’s health system.

    “They serve as the nerve centre for disease surveillance, epidemic  response, health research, and policy guidance.” Diallo noted.

    The launch comes in the wake of multiple global health crises from Ebola to COVID-19 that have underscored the importance of robust national health systems. Dr. Diallo emphasized that the strength of any country’s emergency response depends on the strength of its public health institutions.

    “We have seen, through painful experiences, how global health threats from Ebola to COVID-19 to cholera can rapidly emerge and challenge the resilience of our health systems.” He said.

    He stressed that establishing the NPHI is only the beginning, and called for continued investment in systems, governance, and human capital. “It is not enough to respond well we must start well. And that means building strong systems, reliable surveillance networks, and above all, investing in skilled health professionals,” he said.

    Established by Legal Notice No. 14 on January 18, 2022, KNPHI is expected to serve as a flagship public health institution for Kenya and the region with support from international partners such as the World Bank, Africa CDC, Amref Health Africa, and IANPHI, the institute is poised to play a pivotal role in public health research, emergency response, and policy development.

  • Gov’t backs full operationalisation of KNPHI to boost public health response

    Gov’t backs full operationalisation of KNPHI to boost public health response

    The Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the full operationalisation of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), describing it as the best strategy for coordination of essential public health functions such as surveillance, partnership building and emergency preparedness and response.

    Speaking in Mombasa during a workshop to sensitize County Directors of Health on KNPHI’s mandate, Amoth said the institute’s effectiveness will ensure Kenya’s compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005), strengthen the overall health system through data-driven decision-making, and support the WHO´s long-term vision of health security.

    ‘The entire Ministry leadership supports the operationalization and wellbeing of KNPHI in its critical role of spearheading Kenya’s public health agenda. With emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases,there’s need for structures in place to protect public health security.Its existence is fundamental in achieving the goal of public health, which is to improve, promote, protect, and restore the health of the population through collective action.Due to intergovernmental relations, NPHI will coordinate various actors including counties who are very crucial in taming outbreaks and emergencies which start with the communities at the grassroots levels” he said

    Before 2022, the country had strategies and mechanisms in place to prevent and manage public health events.

    However, many public health functions, including surveillance and emergency response, were fragmented across various vertical programs and management structures.

    This fragmentation led to weak coordination and accountability, hindering the timely detection of and response to public health threats leading to establishment of KNPHI courtesy of Presidential directive under the state corporation ACT CAP 466 through a gazette notice.

    KNPHI Acting Director General Dr Kamene Kimenye lauded the government for leading from the front in strengthening the science-based institution to promote country’s health by coordinating public health functions and programs to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.

    She said both the Ministry of Health being an umbrella body overseeing activities of KNPHI and the office of Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei have been resourcesful in shaping its structure towards transformation into a fully autonomous Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA).

    “Contrary to the perception outside there,the support from the Government in our pursuit for stability thus provide our role effectively has been very adequate and we are grateful. The transition process is currently underway until 24th of this month and so far so good. National public health systems are essential components of resilient health systems and the first line of defense against the threat of pandemic disease. Robust public health capabilities and infrastructure at a national level are the foundation of a global health risk framework. This remains our mantra, ” affirmed Dr Kamene.

    Already 456 staff, who served in the 13 divisions under the Ministry of Health have been vested to KNPHI by the Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr Deborah Baraza.

    They received appointment letters on March 10 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and were given 14 days to accept or decline the offer.

    The divisions transitioning to KNPHI include Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, Zoonotic Diseases, National Public Health Laboratories, Quality Improvement, Infection Prevention and Control, Antimicrobial Resistance, Port Health, and Food Safety.

    According to the Secretary/CEO of the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC) and Chairman of KNPHI Taskforce Operationalisation Simon Indimuli, staff who accept the transition will be placed on the KNPHI payroll under the prevailing remuneration as an interim measure while those who opt to remain in the Ministry will be redeployed accordingly.

    Within two months, KNPHI will integrate the transitioned staff into its establishment based on objective criteria developed by its board and approved by SCAC with the terms of service set to be improved from the current conditions.

    Globally, NPHIs consolidate the management and coordination of key activities in prevention, early detection of public health emergencies, and facilitation of seamless coordination and communication on public health matters.