Nairobi- Kenya has launched its Second National Action Plan for Health Security 2026–2030, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.

The plan outlines Kenya’s priorities for health security over the next five years. It is informed by findings from Kenya’s Joint External Evaluation conducted in September 2024 and aligns with all 19 technical areas, spanning areas such as surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, health emergency management, risk communication and more.

Speaking at the launch, Cabinet Secretary for health Aden Duale stated that, "A health system that cannot detect and respond to threats cannot guarantee coverage. And one that excludes people cannot sustain security."

The evaluation identified three persistent gaps. Sub-national health systems remain under-resourced, limiting their ability to contain outbreaks before they escalate nationally. Emergency funds exist but are often slow to be released. Surveillance, laboratory and emergency response systems are also not well connected, delaying real-time decision-making.

The National Action Plan for Health Security will support the implementation of the Kenya National Public Health Institute Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which provides institutional leadership and governance. In addition, five operational plans have also been developed and lauched to translate these strategies into action, strengthening surveillance, workforce coordination, digital integration, and One Health approaches across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

"Today's event reflects Kenya's continued commitment to building a strong, resilient and coordinated system for preventing, detecting and responding to public health threats," said Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, Acting WHO representative to Kenya. "But if we do not put commensurate resources behind this plan, it just becomes a document on the shelf. That is the challenge for all of us."

Progress will be reviewed quarterly against set targets. The Kenya Health Security Convention, scheduled for May 5–8, was also announced at the launch; it will bring together policymakers, scientists, and health workers to translate evidence into action. The convention aims to advance Universal Health Coverage through a bottom-up, stakeholder-driven approach.