Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has openly criticized Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, accusing him of being arrogant and out of touch with the realities of Kenya’s healthcare system.
Khalwale urged the CS to listen more to his juniors in the ministry to ensure the smooth implementation of the newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking during a public meeting in Kakamega on Saturday, April 19, Senator Khalwale expressed concern that Duale lacks deep knowledge of the country’s health sector.
He advised the CS to rely more on the expertise of Director of Medical Services Jackson Kioko and Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, who both have years of experience and understanding in healthcare matters.
“I want to tell the Director of Medical Services and the Health PS that you should go to the CS’s office and advise him. Let him listen to you, because I know you are the real professionals who understand this sector well,” Khalwale said.
He also emphasized that the true impact of the SHA will not be seen through registration numbers alone, but through the delivery of quality healthcare to the citizens.
“Go and tell him that SHA’s benefits won’t be seen just because many people are registering.
The real value will be felt when ordinary Kenyans walk into hospitals and receive quality care,” he added.
The Senator, who is a qualified medical doctor, said he is willing to offer his help and professional advice to the Health CS to make the SHA a success.
He described the current state of the SHA as unstable and not capable of delivering the expected results.
“I am a senior in this field because I’m a doctor by profession. The CS should consult me and let me contribute. We all want SHA to succeed, but in its current state, it’s not going to help the people of Kenya,” Khalwale stated.
Since moving from the Environment Ministry to the Health docket, CS Duale has faced significant criticism, particularly from professionals in the health sector.
Many have questioned his ability to manage the ministry effectively.
On March 30, just two days before Duale officially took over the position, the Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Davji Atellah, claimed that Duale lacked the understanding needed to lead the health ministry.
He said that even Duale’s immediate predecessor, Deborah Barasa, had a better grasp of the ministry’s operations, and even more so than former CS Susan Nakhumicha.
Despite the criticism, Duale has remained confident since his appointment by President William Ruto in March.
He believes he can bring positive change to the health sector and has vowed to push forward with reforms aimed at improving the SHA system.
Speaking on March 30, the CS said he had already discussed his plans with the President and received full support. He assured Kenyans that he is committed to achieving universal healthcare.
“With the President’s support and my full commitment, I want to promise the people of Kenya that universal healthcare is not just a dream—it will become a reality.
Those who are driven by selfish interests need to make a choice: either serve the people or serve themselves,” Duale stated.
While addressing Parliament on Wednesday, April 16, Duale reported that SHA registrations have seen a significant rise, with an average of 40,000 new sign-ups every day.
He noted that counties in Central Kenya, especially Nyeri, are currently leading in the number of new registrations across the country.
As the SHA rollout continues, the debate between politicians and health professionals highlights the urgent need for cooperation and expert input to ensure the success of the new system.
Join Our Political Forum official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
