Health SC Deborah Baraza and Board of Governors health committee chairman Muthomi Njuki during a UHC meeting on September 18 / FILE

The Council of Governors will host forums across the country to help counties operationalize hubs to drive the Universal Health Coverage campaign.

Counties have established 195 primary healthcare networks, but struggle to make them operational due to limited resources, inadequate funding and digital difficulties.

PCN Hubs refers to a system where several dispensaries and health centers are linked to a level 4 hospital. Kenyans are expected to register as members of a PCN from which they can access outpatient services through the Social Health.

Governor Muthomi Njuki, chairman of the Council of Governors’ health committee, said the NCP should ideally streamline referrals and ensure coordinated care.

“The council recognizes that a lack of adequate resources has prevented these systems from reaching their full potential,” he said.

Njuki also announced a series of inter-county peer-to-peer learning forums. He said the new initiative will encourage counties to share effective practices and overcome challenges.

“Primary healthcare networks are the foundation of our efforts for universal healthcare. We are committed to working with county governments to achieve sustainable health outcomes for all Kenyans,” said Njuki.

“Counties continue to face barriers to ensuring that NCPs are fully operational and can meet the needs of their communities.”

He said for counties to fully benefit from these networks, they need sufficient funds and digital resources.

“It’s not just about creating these networks; it is about making sure they can operate effectively and consistently,” said Njuki.

The governor said the learning forums will bring together representatives from different counties and regions and key health partners.

The first of these forums will be held for the Lakes Region Economic Block which comprises 14 counties namely, Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, Vihiga, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia and Kericho. .

“These forums are a platform for counties to come together, learn from each other and develop strategies that improve the implementation of Primary Health Care,” he said.

The sessions will allow counties to share insights, learn about best practices in PCN management and develop solutions that can be adapted regionally to improve health service delivery. Njuki said the forums will focus on three basic objectives.

First, counties will share updates on their current progress and challenges in creating and maintaining NCPs.

“Counties will have the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, allowing them to adapt successful strategies to their unique contexts,” he said.

Second, the forums will promote innovations and best practices. COG hopes that counties will present successful interventions, especially those involving digital integration and resource optimization.

“Through these exchanges, we aim to capitalize on innovations that have proven effective and can be replicated across regions.”

The third area of ​​interest will be sustainability. With limited resources, the long-term viability of NCP remains a top concern. Discussions will also explore ways to secure funding and integrate digital tools that can improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery.

The CoG remains optimistic about the outcome of these forums, Muthomi said. “We are getting closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage, one step at a time,” he said.

Kenya is targeting a total of 315 PCNs, according to the Ministry of Health.

“Establishing these networks was a vital component of our healthcare strategy aimed at improving the delivery of primary healthcare services in all counties,” said PS Mary Muthoni.