Kenya has called for deeper regional cooperation and coordinated reforms to strengthen East Africa’s health economy and improve access to quality healthcare across the region.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni made the remarks during the 13th East Africa Healthcare Federation Conference and International Exhibition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she participated in a ministerial dialogue on “Vision 2035: Shaping the Future of East Africa’s Health Economy.”
The dialogue brought together health leaders from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania to examine strategies for strengthening regional collaboration and building a more integrated healthcare system.
Muthoni said Kenya shared its experience in implementing health-financing reforms aimed at expanding access to affordable and equitable healthcare.
She said the reforms were part of the government’s broader efforts to transform the way healthcare is financed and delivered, with a focus on ensuring that more citizens can access quality medical services.
The discussions also focused on the need for East African countries to work together to unlock opportunities within the region’s growing health sector.
According to Muthoni, stronger regional integration could support investment, improve healthcare delivery and create a more resilient health economy capable of responding to emerging challenges.
She said Kenya remains committed to deepening cooperation with other East African countries, particularly in areas that can strengthen health systems and improve access to medical services.
One of the areas highlighted was cross-border investment in healthcare, which could help mobilise resources and expand infrastructure, technology and services across the region.
Muthoni also backed efforts to promote the mutual recognition of licences for health professionals across East African countries.
Such recognition would make it easier for qualified medical professionals to work across borders while supporting the sharing of expertise and strengthening regional health workforce capacity.
The discussions come as East African countries seek to improve healthcare systems while responding to rising demand for medical services, workforce shortages and financing challenges.
Muthoni said closer collaboration among governments, healthcare professionals and private-sector players would be essential in advancing the region’s Vision 2035 health agenda.
She reiterated Kenya’s commitment to working with its regional partners to build an integrated and sustainable health economy that delivers affordable, equitable and quality healthcare to citizens across East Africa.