The County Executive Committee Members [CECMs] for health and County Directors of Health [CDH] have reiterated their commitment of engaging in areas of partnerships with Kenya National Public Health Institute [KNPHI] in an effort aimed at bolstering Kenya’s public health architecture.
The two levels of government agreed on a working formula during County sensitization workshop in Mombasa County.
The meeting aimed at heightening awareness among counties on their roles in health security systems, emergency preparedness and response besides rallying them on the need for support of the implementation of the NPHI Bill.
Nandi County CECM for Health and Sanitation also doubling up as Health CEC Caucus vice chair Dr Angeline Chepchirchir emphasized on the need to strengthen NPHI in order to achieve success in building robust health systems across the country thus ensuring population wellbeing and national health security.
She said Public health is an intersectional field that works to address the underlying causes of health outcomes.
This work requires both intergovernmental collaboration between national and county governments, as well as multisectoral partnership across local government agencies.
“The establishment of KNPHI is essential to coordinate our currently fragmented public health emergency response services. As population dynamics, migration, climate change, and technology evolve, the demand for effective health emergency responses is increasing.The NPHI should capitalize on this opportunity to establish itself as the national center of excellence in coordinating health emergency responses.County departments of health are prepared to collaborate with NPHI in designing and continuously evaluating health emergency response preparedness and communication strategies” noted Dr. Chepchirchir.
Her remarks were emphasized by Homa Bay County Director for Heath and Chairman of the County Directors Caucus Dr. Gordon Okomo who noted that the establishment of the KNPHI is a milestone in Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
“Setting up KNPHI reflects our resolve to build resilient health systems capable of responding to emerging and re-emerging health threats. As County Directors, we recognize the critical role the NPHI plays in disease surveillance, response coordination, and data-driven decision-making” part his statement read.
“Today, we are not just speaking as public health officials but as advocates for a healthier and more resilient Kenya. Advocacy for the NPHI is not just the responsibility of the national government or the Ministry of Health—it is our collective responsibility. We must champion its objectives at the county level and mobilize support from local leaders, stakeholders, and communities” the statement further added.
Acting Director General of KNPHI Dr Kamene Kimenye on her part committed to fostering collaboration and leveraging available resources in the united front poised to fortify public health functions, paving the way for a more resilient and responsive health system in the face of emerging and re-emerging threats.
She stressed on the significance of a coordinated working relationship with counties in their critical role in promoting and protecting the health of people and the communities in which they live, learn, work and play.
“We now understand our roles and there’s good understanding between us as well as counties.We’re not taking the functions of counties who are the backbone of our healthcare.Ours is a collaborative activity.We will be involved in capacity building of officers at the county as our first responders.NPHI can’t function if counties are not on board.We have to collaborate effectively and synergise towards execution of our key mandate in public health security ” she remarked.
The success of the KNPHI hinges on collaboration. Counties are the front line of healthcare service delivery. Strengthening partnerships between counties and the institute will enhance data collection, disease tracking, and rapid response capabilities.
KNPHI will deliver its responsibilities based on data and science with full technical and operational independence under the strategic guidance of the Ministry of Health.
To promote research and innovation, ensure sustainability, build public trust, establish strong coordination and partnership, KNPHI has been institutionalized with a legal framework by the country’s legislative bodies.
Mombasa initiative not only aligns partner activities with government health priorities for more impactful outcomes but also aims to demystify the pivotal role of the National Public Health Institute in Kenya.
