Barasa highlighted key achievements, including the training of over 107,000 community health promoters, the digitisation of healthcare services through the Digital Health Authority and strengthened local manufacturing, now supplying more than 60 per cent of medical products to KEMSA.
Additionally, she underscored investments in cancer treatment centres in Mombasa, Nakuru, Garissa and Kisii, as well as the construction of 19 Level 4 hospitals across the country.
Recognising the strain on medical professionals, Duale stressed the importance of supporting healthcare workers.
"Our medical providers are the backbone of this system. We must create an environment where they can deliver their best, free from undue pressure and resource constraints," he stated.
He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to equitable healthcare access, particularly in marginalised areas.
"We cannot have a two-tier healthcare system where some Kenyans receive top-tier services while others struggle to access basic care. Equity must be our guiding principle," he emphasised.
Furthermore, he highlighted plans to tackle the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by strengthening early detection programmes and investing in research.
"We must invest in preventive healthcare because treatment alone is not sustainable," he noted.
As he assumed office, Duale assured stakeholders of continuity and collaboration. "This is a shared responsibility. I call on all health workers, policymakers and development partners to join hands in transforming Kenya's healthcare landscape," he urged.
Duale also addressed concerns over his lack of a background in health, dismissing doubts by pointing to his extensive legislative experience.
"All the laws governing this ministry passed through my hands when I was Majority Leader for over eight years. Leadership is about governance, not technical expertise," he explained.
He also pointed out that most past health ministers were not medical professionals. "In the last 20 years, only two doctors have led this ministry. The rest were politicians, and they got the job done," he added.
Duale further emphasised the importance of teamwork. "I don't work alone. I rely on the dedicated professionals in this ministry, collaborate with the Cabinet and take advice from the President. My role is to ensure policies are well implemented," he affirmed.
Reflecting on her tenure, Barasa described the past eight months as 'eventful and transformative,' citing major strides in advancing UHC.
She highlighted the enactment of four critical health laws: the Social Health Insurance Act, Primary Health Act, Facility Improvement Financing Act and Digital Health Act, which laid the groundwork for the SHA, replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
"There has been a 163 per cent increase in Social Health Insurance membership, with 21 million Kenyans now registered, up from 8 million under the defunct NHIF," Barasa noted.
She further revealed that SHA has collected over Sh31.6 billion and settled claims totalling Sh24 billion, improving healthcare access nationwide.
With the transition now complete, attention turns to how the new CS will navigate ongoing reforms, tackle emerging healthcare challenges and fulfill his promises.