Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja recently announced the formation of a taskforce chaired by former Kenyatta University vice-chancellor Prof Olive Mugenda to scrutinize and suggest reforms for the city's health sector. Within the next 45 days, the team will examine various aspects including citizens’ access to quality health services, the condition of public health facilities, and the management of medical products’ supply chain. Additionally, they will review health information management, human resource capacity, and propose interventions in these areas.
Under the management of Nairobi Metropolitan Services, the county has built 28 hospitals primarily in slums to cater to residents in informal settlements and reduce dependence on the Kenyatta National Hospital. Mr. Sakaja confirmed that the taskforce may co-opt additional advisors to provide input on any critical areas deemed necessary during their mandate. The team, including members like Dr. Anastacia Nyalita and Ms. Dorcas Kemunto, will also focus on proposing an efficient health financing model for the county. President Kenyatta had previously commissioned several Level 2 and 3 hospitals to address the needs of informal sector residents, but complaints have arisen regarding the lacking facilities, personnel, and medical supplies in these newly launched healthcare facilities.