Duale: Health sector is the leading source of revenue for many counties
The Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced that the health sector has become a leading source of revenue for many counties.
The Health CS took to his X account on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, moments after he made his speech at Umma University in Kajiado County, where he defended the government’s programs in the health sector.
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“Indeed, the health sector has now become the leading source of own-source revenue for many counties, a clear sign that Kenyans are increasingly turning to public facilities for their healthcare needs,” Duale said.
According to Duale, in September 2025, the government disbursed Ksh8.1 billion to hospitals across the country, a timely support that is aimed at strengthening service delivery.
“This month alone, the government disbursed Ksh8.1 billion to hospitals across the country. This timely support is aimed at strengthening service delivery and restoring confidence in our public health system,” Duale said.
MCA’s call
Duale’s remarks come after Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) recently strongly opposed a move by the Senate to extend its oversight powers to cover locally generated county revenue, arguing that the proposal undermines devolution and the constitutional role of assemblies.
The dispute emerged during a stakeholder retreat convened by the Senate’s Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee in Kiambu on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, to gather views on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The matter in contention sought to give the Senate authority not only over national revenue allocated to counties under Article 96 but also over revenue raised locally.
Protecting county autonomy
MCAs said the amendment would distort the principle of separation of powers between the Senate and county assemblies, which already have constitutional oversight over local revenue collection and expenditure.
“This proposal is unnecessary and unconstitutional. Assemblies are the rightful watchdogs of county-generated revenue, and we cannot cede that responsibility to the Senate,” Nairobi MCA James Kariuki said.
The County Assemblies Forum (CAF) stressed that the clause would roll back gains made since the start of devolution.
“We must reject the proposal to extend the Senate’s oversight to locally generated county revenue,” CAF Chairperson Hon. Seth Kamanza told delegates.
“The oversight of funds raised within the county is the primary and constitutional duty of the County Assembly. This amendment would create a needless jurisdictional conflict.”
