By Timothy Nzai | March 10, 2026
The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni has said that Kenya is strengthening its preparedness to respond to disease outbreaks through improved surveillance and community health programmes.
Speaking during an interview on TV47 Kenya on Monday evening, the PS noted that the government is enhancing disease surveillance systems and preparedness structures to better prevent and manage public health threats.
She explained that the Ministry of Health has expanded community-level interventions aimed at supporting early detection of diseases and enabling faster response whenever health risks arise.
Muthoni also emphasized the critical role played by Community Health Promoters (CHPs), noting that they provide essential health services at the household level, educate families on healthy practices, and help identify illnesses early within communities.
The PS further highlighted progress under the Social Health Authority (SHA), stating that ongoing health financing reforms are enabling more Kenyans to access affordable healthcare as the country advances its Universal Health Coverage agenda.
She also pointed to national health campaigns such as Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani and Jamii Imara Mashinani, which promote improved hygiene, preventive healthcare, and stronger community engagement.
PS Muthoni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare and expanding community health services in order to build a more responsive and resilient health system across the country.
