Government Launches National Public Health Institute to Strengthen Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response
In a significant stride towards bolstering Kenya’s health security and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale officially launched the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) on May 8, 2025. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), marked a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to enhance preventive and promotive healthcare.
Centralizing Public Health Functions
Established under Legal Notice No. 14 of 2022, the KNPHI is envisioned as the central hub for disease surveillance, health research, policy coordination, and rapid emergency response. The institute aims to streamline public health operations, reduce redundancy across institutions, and enhance Kenya’s capacity to swiftly respond to emerging health threats.
As part of the restructuring, thirteen key divisions and programs from the Ministry of Health have been integrated into the KNPHI. These include the National Public Health Laboratories, Zoonotic Disease Management, Disease Surveillance, Emergency Health Operations, Health Informatics, and Emergency Operations Centres. This consolidation is expected to improve coordination, eliminate duplication, and strengthen the country’s readiness to address health challenges.
Emphasis on Resilient Health Systems
Speaking at the launch, CS Duale underscored the importance of resilient institutions capable of responding swiftly to public health challenges. He highlighted lessons learned from past crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola outbreaks, emphasizing the need for preparedness and robust health systems.
“Having learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring countries, preparedness cannot be overemphasised,” Duale stated. “These experiences have taught us painful but valuable lessons—that no country is immune to global health threats, and that strong, responsive institutions are our first line of defence.”
Collaborative Efforts and Support
The launch event was attended by a wide array of dignitaries and stakeholders, including Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change), Health Committee Chair in the National Assembly Dr. James Nyikal, Council of Governors CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti, and senior representatives from government agencies and development partners.
CS Duale acknowledged the vital technical and financial support from international partners, including the World Bank, Africa CDC, Amref Health Africa, and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI), in operationalizing the KNPHI. He also called on the Public Service Commission to expedite the approval of critical human resource instruments to ensure the institute is adequately staffed and fully operational.
International Endorsement
Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, reiterated WHO’s ongoing support for Kenya in establishing a robust, independent, and internationally connected public health institute that aligns with national and global health priorities. He emphasized the importance of national public health institutes as the nerve centers for disease surveillance, epidemic response, health research, and policy guidance.
“We have seen, through painful experiences, how global health threats from Ebola to COVID-19 to cholera can rapidly emerge and challenge the resilience of our health systems,” Dr. Diallo noted. “It is not enough to respond well; we must start well. And that means building strong systems, reliable surveillance networks, and above all, investing in skilled health professionals.”
Legislative Support
Dr. James Nyikal, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Health Committee, reaffirmed Parliament’s support in providing a solid legal foundation for the KNPHI’s long-term sustainability.
“We are committed to anchoring the Kenya National Public Health Institute in law to ensure it delivers lasting impact,” he stated. “KNPHI will strengthen disease prevention, unify efforts across the social determinants of health, and become a cornerstone for sustainable health financing.”
A New Era in Public Health
The establishment of the KNPHI marks a transformative shift in Kenya’s approach to public health management. By centralizing critical functions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the institute is poised to enhance the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats effectively. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage and building a resilient healthcare system that safeguards the well-being of its population.
