National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to advancing reforms aimed at making healthcare more accessible, affordable and accountable to Kenyans.
Wetang’ula made the remarks on Tuesday during the Kenya Health Summit 2026 held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, where he joined President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and other senior government officials.
The summit, held under the theme “Reforms Delivered, Health as a Right,” brought together key players in the health sector to assess reforms undertaken by the government and discuss measures to improve service delivery.
In his keynote address, Wetang’ula outlined what he described as Parliament’s critical role in shaping Kenya’s ongoing health reforms under the 13th Parliament.
He pointed to several laws enacted or amended by Parliament, including the Social Health Insurance Fund Act of 2023, which repealed the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) Act of 1998 and provided the legal framework for the establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Wetang’ula also highlighted the Primary Health Act, which he said established a legal framework for the delivery and management of primary healthcare services.
The Speaker said Parliament’s role in the health sector extends beyond legislation, noting that adequate financing and stronger accountability mechanisms are necessary to ensure that reforms translate into better services for citizens.
He argued that Kenyans seeking an affordable healthcare system should not be viewed as asking the government for a favour, but as exercising a constitutional right.
According to Wetang’ula, the 2010 Constitution establishes healthcare as a fundamental right and therefore requires continued efforts by state institutions to ensure its effective implementation.
He assured Kenyans that Parliament would continue supporting legislative reforms designed to strengthen the health system and give effect to constitutional provisions on healthcare.
Wetang’ula further called for greater focus on implementation as the country moves from policy and legislative reforms to service delivery.
Among the priorities he identified were the equitable distribution of health workers, increased emphasis on preventive healthcare and stronger measures to combat fraud and wastage within the health sector.
He also commended health sector leaders for convening the summit, saying bringing stakeholders together would provide an opportunity to share best practices and benchmark performance.
The Speaker said stronger coordination among stakeholders would be critical in ensuring that the reforms ultimately result in seamless and effective healthcare services for Kenyans.