In a decisive move to streamline healthcare delivery, Kenya's Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its governance framework for Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), signaling a rigorous commitment to accountability as performance contracts for 2025/2026 are signed.

In the corridors of Afya House, a new era of stringent oversight is being ushered in with the latest performance contracts.

This renewed focus on governance matters urgently, as Kenya's healthcare system stands at a critical juncture, balancing the ambitious Universal Health Coverage (UHC) rollout against historical bureaucratic inefficiencies. The signing of the 2025/2026 performance contracts for Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) is a definitive step toward transparent healthcare delivery.

The Framework of Accountability

The Ministry of Health has made it unequivocally clear that poor performance will no longer be tolerated. The newly reaffirmed governance framework introduces strict KPIs for all SAGAs.

These contracts are designed to ensure that state resources, running into hundreds of billions of shillings, translate directly into tangible health outcomes for the common citizen.

• All 19 SAGAs under the Ministry have officially signed the binding 2025/2026 agreements.
• Quarterly audits will replace the previous annual review system, ensuring real-time compliance.
• Budgets exceeding KES 50bn have been strictly tied to verifiable service delivery metrics.

Impact on Universal Health Coverage

The success of the UHC agenda is inextricably linked to the operational efficiency of these agencies. From the KEMSA supply chain to the NHIF transition, accountability is paramount.

Health stakeholders have lauded the move, noting that a fortified governance structure will significantly reduce the friction previously experienced in medical supply and financing.

Looking Ahead: A Healthier Nation

As these contracts take effect, the true measure of success will be felt in the dispensaries and referral hospitals across the 47 counties.

"Accountability is the bedrock of healthcare; without it, our promises of universal coverage are just ink on paper," the Health Cabinet Secretary affirmed.