Mudavadi calls for collective action in advancing Universal Health Coverage

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has called Kenyans to strengthen the healthcare system, emphasizing that the world is shifting responsibility for health financing to individual nations.

Speaking when he joined President William Ruto for the funeral service of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo in Baringo County, Mudavadi said global funding for health is becoming increasingly constrained, making it imperative for Kenya to establish self-sustaining mechanisms to support Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as well as identify the hitches and work on them.

"Recently, I was in Geneva, Switzerland, where I engaged with the Global Fund, which plays a critical role in global health financing. Last year, President William Ruto led a replenishment effort that secured $28 billion for Kenya," said Mudavadi.

"This year, the Global Fund is seeking further replenishment, and their CEO specifically requested President Ruto’s intervention to champion the appeal for increased funding."

He noted that while international partners have supported Kenya’s health sector, there is now a clear expectation that countries must take greater responsibility for their healthcare systems.

"The world is telling us to take care of our own sick and not to wait for external aid. We must pull together, identify any gaps in the system, and address them. No more money will come from outside for health if we do not put in place sustainable mechanisms," he emphasized.

Mudavadi stressed that UHC remains a key pillar in achieving national development, and Kenya must ensure that healthcare is accessible and affordable to all citizens.

He cautioned against politicizing healthcare matters, stating that a functional health system is essential for national stability and prosperity.

"We can do politics with other things, but let us not do politics with the health of our people. Every Kenyan deserves access to quality healthcare, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure this becomes a reality," he said.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary joined President Ruto and other leaders in paying tribute to the late Senator Cheptumo, describing him as a leader of integrity and humility.

He highlighted Cheptumo’s efforts in fighting cattle rustling and his unwavering commitment to the people of Baringo County.

"Cheptumo was a forthright, focused, and solid leader. He had no intellectual insecurities m; he always stood for what was right and served his people with utmost dedication. His life was a testament to resilience, humility, and the power of prayer," Mudavadi noted.

He further reflected on the leadership legacy of the Tugen community, noting that the region has produced remarkable leaders such as the late President Daniel Arap Moi and General Daudi Tonje, whose military reforms continue to shape Kenya’s defense forces.

"As much as the hills of Tugen may be difficult to navigate, they have produced extraordinary leaders. Senator Cheptumo was among them, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come," he added.

The funeral service was attended by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi,National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula, senior government officials, and leaders from across the country, who gathered to honor Senator Cheptumo’s contributions to the nation.