In a strong defense of Kenya's ambitious healthcare reforms, the Council of Governors (COG) Health Chair and Wajir Governor, Ahmed Abdullahi, has called for unity and structured collaboration between national and county governments. Speaking on Monday, June 23, 2025, during the 27th Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) Ordinary Session in Nairobi, Governor Abdullahi passionately defended the Social Health Authority (SHA) amidst ongoing criticism from sections of the public and political leaders. His message was clear: sustainable development, particularly in the critical health sector, demands a cohesive and cooperative approach.
Governor Abdullahi wasted no time in addressing the critics of the health reforms, urging for a more collaborative spirit instead of fragmented opposition. He highlighted the initial resistance faced by the SHA, acknowledging that it was a "bold move" but one driven by a firm belief in its long-term benefits for ordinary Kenyans. “Everyone was against Social Health Authority, but we stuck out our necks, and now everyone is on board,” said the Governor, underscoring the SHA's journey from initial skepticism to what he perceives as broader acceptance among stakeholders.
The Social Health Authority, a cornerstone of Kenya's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, initially faced significant headwinds. Resistance stemmed from various quarters, including powerful healthcare workers' unions, civil society organizations, and even some political leaders. Concerns were raised over its readiness for implementation, the robustness of its legal framework, and the sustainability of its funding structure. However, recent progress, coupled with visible improvements in health financing and service delivery at the grassroots level, has reportedly led to more counties embracing the programme, recognizing its potential to transform healthcare access.
Governor Abdullahi emphasized that while no reform initiative is ever perfect, true leadership demands a willingness to rise above partisan politics and focus squarely on building resilient institutions that genuinely improve service delivery for citizens. “It is easy to criticise from the sidelines, but leadership demands courage,” he stated, directly challenging those who offer critiques without proposing constructive solutions. He stressed the futility of constant negativity, arguing, “Let’s be honest — we cannot build effective systems if we are constantly tearing down every initiative before it takes root.” This pragmatic stance calls for patience and a willingness to allow new initiatives to mature and adapt.
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The COG Health Chair also used his address to advocate for deeper and more structured partnerships between the two levels of government. He articulated a concern that fragmented efforts are significantly slowing down the pace of development, particularly within the crucial health sector, where seamless coordination is paramount. “We must foster structured partnerships that are grounded in shared objectives, not political expediency,” he urged, highlighting the need for common goals to supersede narrow political interests. Abdullahi firmly believes that “The success of our development agenda hinges on coordination, mutual respect, and a clear understanding of roles” between national and county governments.
Governor Abdullahi reiterated that counties are fundamentally committed to improving healthcare outcomes for their constituents. However, he emphasized that for meaningful and sustainable progress to be achieved, counties require three critical elements: predictable funding mechanisms, strong and consistent intergovernmental collaboration, and policy stability. These factors are vital for long-term planning, resource allocation, and the successful implementation of health programs across diverse county contexts.
His remarks resonate particularly strongly at a time when both national and county governments are under immense pressure to demonstrate tangible results across key sectors, including health delivery, education, and infrastructure development. This demand for results comes amidst significant fiscal constraints, making efficient and coordinated resource utilization more crucial than ever.
