First Lady Rachel Ruto has used the Kenya Health Summit 2026 to renew the push for better maternal and newborn care, placing healthcare among the issues the Kenya Kwanza administration is seeking to make part of its record ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the summit, Rachel said the success of the health sector should be judged by the lives saved rather than promises made by leaders.
“Quality healthcare is not measured by the promises we make, but by the lives we save,” she said.
The First Lady said the government was working to improve maternal and newborn healthcare through the EWENE Acceleration Plan, including investment in health workers, essential medical commodities, screening and referral systems.
“Every mother deserves safe care. Every newborn deserves a chance to survive and thrive. And every Kenyan deserves quality healthcare, regardless of where they live,” she said.
Her remarks came as healthcare emerged as one of the key issues in the political debate over the record of President William Ruto’s administration.
The Kenya Kwanza government has made Universal Health Coverage a central part of its agenda, with the Social Health Authority replacing the National Health Insurance Fund as part of efforts to expand access to medical care.
The administration has presented the reforms as a major step towards ensuring that Kenyans can access healthcare without being pushed into poverty by medical bills.
But the changes have also attracted criticism.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have raised concerns over the implementation of the new health financing system, delays in payments to hospitals and challenges facing patients seeking treatment under the new arrangement.
The government has defended the reforms, saying the transition is necessary to build a more sustainable health insurance system.
The healthcare debate has also been complicated by complaints from doctors and other health workers over working conditions, remuneration and the implementation of agreements reached with the government.
Rachel's intervention puts maternal and newborn health at the centre of that wider debate.
As Goodwill Ambassador for Newborn Screening in Kenya, she said she remained committed to improving outcomes for mothers and children.
The First Lady said the EWENE programme was focusing on strengthening healthcare systems rather than relying on promises.
Her comments come as the administration faces a growing opposition campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that the “Wantam” campaign against Ruto's re-election is now a reality, while opposition leaders including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have called for a united political front.
Sifuna and other critics have accused the government of failing to meet some of the expectations created by its 2022 campaign promises, including on the cost of living, employment and access to public services.
Healthcare is likely to form part of that assessment.
The government, however, argues that its reforms are aimed at addressing longstanding problems in the sector rather than providing short-term political solutions.
Rachel said the focus should remain on the outcome for patients.
“Every mother deserves safe care. Every newborn deserves a chance to survive and thrive,” she said.
She attended the summit alongside healthcare leaders, professionals and development partners who gathered to discuss the theme, “From Promise to Practice: Delivering Quality Health Services for Every Kenyan.”
The First Lady said the discussions were important in moving the country from commitments to actual improvements in healthcare delivery.
